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.
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