USDA, FDA EXPAND EFFORTS TO ENSURE EGG SAFETY Release No. 0212.98 Andy Solomon (202) 720-4623 andy.solomon@usda.gov Judith Foulke(202) 205-4144 judith.foulke@opa-press1@fdaoc Arthur Whitmore (202) 205-4144 USDA, FDA EXPAND EFFORTS TO ENSURE EGG SAFETY WASHINGTON, May 18, 1998 -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today announced expanded efforts to ensure the safety of shell eggs. In a notice to be published in the Federal Register on Tuesday, USDA and FDA are asking for public comments on plans to implement a comprehensive, farm-to-table strategy to decrease the food-safety risks associated with shell eggs. "We are committed to minimizing the public health risks associated with shell eggs," said Dr. Catherine Woteki, USDA's Under Secretary for Food Safety. "Working with FDA, we are looking at every possible step -- from the hen house to the breakfast plate -- as we apply today's best science to this challenge." Dr. Michael A. Friedman, M.D., FDA Lead Deputy Commissioner, said the agencies' approach on the safety of shell eggs is across-the-board. "Our strategy covers all the links in the chain from production to consumer preparation, including processing, packing, labeling, distribution, and retail and food-service sales," he said. "The measures we are contemplating are important to the public health because eggs contaminated with Salmonella, although only a small fraction of all eggs sold, cause significant numbers of illnesses in U.S. consumers." The notice asks for comments on such issues as preventing the introduction of Salmonella Enteritidis (SE) in laying chickens and changing egg processing, handling and storage procedures to further enhance egg safety. SE, a pathogen that can cause severe illness in humans, is one of the most commonly reported causes of foodborne illness in the United States. The notice cites the following actions that are planned or already underway to ensure the safety of shell eggs.  A proposal to control the temperature maintained by vehicles transporting shell eggs to market.  A proposal to require labeling on egg cartons providing information to consumers on the proper handling of eggs, and maintenance of cool temperatures at points of retail and food-service sale.  Guidance to industry and state and local authorities in FDA's Food Code on safe handling of eggs at retail operations including restaurants, supermarkets and institutions.  Guidance to states and industry for implementing egg safety programs on the farm.  A formal risk assessment for shell eggs. This report will provide a more definitive understanding of the risks from shell eggs and egg products. It will also help in efforts to evaluate ways in which those risks might be reduced. A draft of the risk assessment was published in September 1997.  A nationwide surveillance program for SE to track spread of the infection among layer flocks.  Public-private partnerships sponsoring the development of a national food-safety education and training campaign for food-service workers and consumers.  Ongoing research about SE. USDA and FDA share federal regulatory responsibility for egg safety. However, regulation of shell egg safety is primarily the responsibility of FDA. Public comments on the Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking may be sent to Docket Clerk, Docket No. 96-035A, Room 3806, South Agriculture Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-3700. Comments will be accepted for 90 days after the Federal Register date of publication. # NOTE: USDA news releases and media advisories are available on the Internet. Access the USDA Home Page on the World Wide Web at http://www.usda.gov