Voluntary Grading of Shell Eggs; Amendments

AMS Docket Number:  AMS-LPS-15-0044

Comments Received by: June 20, 2016

Summary:

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) proposes to amend the Regulations Governing the Voluntary Grading of Shell Eggs to clarify the definition of “condition” and revise the prerequisite requirement for shell eggs eligible for voluntary USDA grading and certification. The proposed revision to the prerequisite requirement will prohibit the use of Salmonella Enteritidis-adulterated or recalled shell eggs from being presented to USDA for grading and certification. AMS is proposing to revise the definition of “condition” to remove any food safety implications resulting from the use of the term “wholesomeness” and clarify that AMS' role in grading and certification of shell eggs is solely for a quality determination.

Contact:

David Bowden, Chief
Standardization Branch, Quality Assessment Division, Livestock, Poultry, and Seed Program, Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture
Stop 0258, Room 3932S
1400 Independence Avenue SW.
Washington, DC 20250
Fax: (202) 690-2746
David.Bowden@ams.usda.gov

Supporting Documents