In letters to top officials at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Further Processors Division of the United Egg Association (UEA) repeated its opposition to proposals from the broiler industry that would permit unrefrigerated hatchery surplus eggs to enter the food chain through egg processing plants.

FDA and USDA scientists just published a scientific study that predicted a 47-fold increase in illnesses attributed to egg products if hatchery surplus eggs were permitted. FDA’s Egg Safety Rule currently requires all eggs, from whatever source, to be refrigerated within 36 hours of lay. The broiler industry is seeking to be exempt from this food safety requirement to dispose of its surplus. UEA has met with both FDA and USDA on this topic.