USDA Requests Extension to Monitor Shell Egg Safety Nationwide
Published Date: 3/23/2026
Notice
Summary
The USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service wants to keep collecting info for the Shell Egg Surveillance Program, which helps make sure eggs are safe and inspected properly. They’re asking for permission to extend this info collection past June 30, 2026, with no big changes or extra costs. If you have thoughts, you’ve got until May 22, 2026, to share them!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Import certification workload rose after HPAI outbreaks
USDA reports an overall increase of +535.25 burden hours, a decrease of 41 Shell Egg Surveillance Program respondents, and an increase of 975 shell egg import certification program respondents. The increase is attributed to widespread Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza outbreaks that led to more egg imports and more information required under 7 CFR 57.915(b) and 57.920.
Shell egg handlers must register and be inspected
If you run a shell egg handling or hatchery business, you must register with USDA and be visited by a state or Federal surveillance inspector quarterly to verify compliance. Inspectors check items like storage temperatures (45 degrees ambient), that restricted eggs aren’t used for food, proper disposal of restricted eggs, and that you keep required records.
Estimated annual reporting burden for businesses
USDA estimates the collection averages 0.25 hours per response across 719 business respondents, with 7 responses each (6,338 total responses) and a total annual burden of 1,984.60 hours. The forms are used only by AMS and authorized state agencies to verify compliance under the Egg Products Inspection Act (OMB No. 0581-0113).
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Key Dates
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