Voluntary and Mandatory Egg and Egg Products Inspection

This final rule amends the regulations implementing the voluntary and mandatory egg and egg products inspection programs authorized by the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946, as amended, and the Egg Products Inspection Act in response to new technology and current production and processing practices within the egg products industry. The revisions redefine dirty eggs; define nest-run eggs and washed ungraded eggs; and clarify the type of facilities and equipment to be supplied to the grader/inspector, officially identifying products, appeal procedures, equipment requirements, sanitizing shell eggs prior to breaking, and general operating procedures. The revisions also provide for less than quarterly visits to hatcheries and update the types of nonallowed discrimination in providing service.