Jeff Hendricks

Jeff Hendricks, assistant national supervisor for shell eggs for USDA Agriculture Marketing Services (AMS), presented comprehensive information about the agency’s sanitation requirements and changes to the pre-operational sanitation report in a webinar on December 10.

Webinar sponsors, UEP and the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association, worked closely with the National Shell Egg Team at AMS to bring this important information to shell egg plants that pack eggs under the AMS grade shield. “It was our hope that attendees could utilize this industry outreach to bring together key employees and supervisors in processing and sanitation, so everyone has a more comprehensive understanding of these sanitation changes,” said Oscar Garrison, UEP’s SVP of Food Safety Regulatory Affairs. The changes to the pre-operational sanitation report are effective January 1, 2020.

The well-attended webinar had over 250 participants who asked numerous questions. The last 45 minutes of the two-hour webinar were reserved for an extensive Q&A session with AMS personnel providing additional industry guidance and responses to over 50 questions.

UEP thanks Jeff Hendricks, Victor Barajas, and Mark Perigen of the AMS National Shell Egg Program for gathering and presenting the materials during the webinar; Dr. Denise Heard, Rafael Rivera, and Gwen Venable for their technical work; and Dr. Deana Jones, from USDA Agricultural Research Service, and Dr. Darrin Karcher, from Purdue University, for providing photography and support for the program.