Resources

A Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) is an FDA-endorsed management system in which food safety is addressed through the analysis and control of biological, chemical, and physical hazards from raw food production, procurement and handling, to manufacturing, distribution and consumption of the final product.

The Incredible Egg website, sponsored by the American Egg Board, has thousands of recipes, egg cooking tips and information on health and nutrition.

The National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP) is a cooperative Federal-State-industry program for controlling certain poultry diseases.

Disease prevention on egg farms is a top priority. Watch Safe Eggs, Healthy Hens and learn more.

Learn how farmers ensure fresh, wholesome eggs are available at your favorite grocery store.  Watch Safe Nutritious Eggs from Hen to Home.

The Safe Quality Food (SQF) Program is recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) and managed by the Food Marketing Institute (FMI). SQF links primary production certification to food manufacturing, distribution and agent/broker management certification.

(EQAP) are organized by some states and based on HACCP principles.

• Ohio Egg Quality Assurance Program
• California Egg Quality Assurance Program
• Pennsylvania Egg Quality Assurance Program
• Maryland Egg Quality Assurance Program

Research in Emerging Infectious Diseases Journal found state EQAPs helped reduce Salmonella Enteritidis (SE) incidents within that state.

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) administers programs that create domestic and international marketing opportunities for U.S. producers of food, fiber, and specialty crops.

• Quality Grading (Requesting Resident and Fee Grading Services
  USDA quality grade marks are usually seen on beef, lamb, chicken, turkey, butter, and eggs.
• Selling Food to USDA/AMS (Commodity Procurement Information
  USDA Foods meet high standards for quality and wholesomeness and must be produced and processed according to details USDA specifications.
• Shell Egg Surveillance Information and the Egg Products Inspection Act (EPIA)
  The U.S. standards for shell eggs limit the number of restricted eggs that are permitted in consumer markets, and there are mandatory procedures for disposing of and distributing restricted eggs. These procedures are covered by the shell egg surveillance program monitored by AMS.
• Import Requirements For Table Eggs and Breaking Stock
  The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Veterinary Services (VS) regulates the importation of animals and animal-derived materials to ensure that exotic animal and poultry diseases are not introduced into the United States.
• AMS 56 (United States Standards, Grades, and Weight Classes for Shell Eggs); 7 CFR Part 56 (Regulations Governing the Voluntary Grading of Shell Eggs); and 7 CFR Part 57 (Regulations Governing the Inspection of Eggs)
  Grades AA, A and B.
• List of Plants Utilizing USDA Grading Service
  The Poultry Program of USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service provides voluntary poultry and egg grading and certification services.

– USDA provides information on avian influenza, food safety and the public health.

is the government agency that oversees programs in farm and foreign agricultural services; food nutrition and consumer services; food safety; marketing and regulatory programs; natural resources and environment; research, education and economics and rural development.

UEP “5-Star” Egg Safety Program is a voluntary program of United Egg Producers. “5-Star” goes beyond FDA Egg Safety Rule requirements to provide egg farmers with a comprehensive, dependable safety program from the farm through processing.

membership includes producers and processors of broilers, turkeys, ducks, eggs, and breeding stock, as well as allied companies