Source: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2004/06/02/04-12201/voluntary-shell-egg-grading-regulations-facilities-and-equipment
Timestamp: 2017-09-26 20:20:59
Document Index: 423266679

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A Proposed Rule by the Agricultural Marketing Service on 06/02/2004
69 FR 31039
31039-31045 (7 pages)
04-12201
https://www.federalregister.gov/d/04-12201 https://www.federalregister.gov/d/04-12201
Start Preamble Start Printed Page 31039
The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) proposes to amend the regulations governing the voluntary shell egg grading program. The proposed revisions would add definitions that describe the official identification and packaging of shell eggs; provide that grading services may be requested or reported by electronic means; clarify the number of samples required for an appeal grading when the original samples are not available; require that plants provide two candling lights in an acceptable candling booth for grade determination; provide an additional method for lot identifying shell eggs; and clarify and update the facility and operating requirements of plants utilizing the voluntary grading service. The proposal would also provide that cooler rooms holding shell eggs identified with a consumer grade shall be capable of maintaining a relative humidity of 70 percent or higher. Interested parties are particularly invited to submit any data or studies regarding the relative humidity requirement. From time to time, sections in the regulations are affected by changes in egg production and processing technology. This rule updates the regulations to reflect these changes.
Interested persons are invited to submit written comments concerning this proposed rule to David Bowden, Jr., Chief, Standardization Branch, Poultry Programs, Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Stop 0259, room 3944-South, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250. Comments may be faxed to (202) 690-0941. Comments should be submitted in duplicate. Comments may also be submitted electronically to: amspydockets@usda.gov or www.regulations.gov. All comments should refer to Docket No. PY-03-005 and note the date and page number of this issue of the Federal Register. All comments received will be made available for public inspection at the above location during regular business hours. Comments received also will be made available over the Internet in the rulemaking section of the AMS Web site www.ams.usda.gov/​rulemaking. A copy of this proposed rule may be found at: www.ams.usda.gov/​poultry/​regulations/​rulemakeing/​index.htm.
Rex A. Barnes, Chief, Grading Branch, (202)720-3271.
Changing technology in egg production and processing requires that the regulations governing shell egg grading be updated. The proposal would update the requirements to bring them in line with the requirements that applicants utilizing official grading services must meet. After a plant makes an application for grading service, an agency representative conducts a plant survey. The survey determines if the plant premises, facility, equipment, and operation procedures can satisfactorily support the official grading of shell eggs. These prerequisite requirements are based on good manufacturing practices typically associated with food processing and have specific application to shell egg processing. Proposed changes included the following:
(1) Definitions. The definitions of “chief of the grading branch” and “national supervisor” would be revised to reflect the current organizational structure in AMS. New definitions for “Agricultural Marketing Service or AMS”, “consumer grades,” “packaging,” “packing,” and “United States Standards, Grades, and Weight Classes for Shell Eggs” would be added to establish a clear meaning for these terms. (§ 56.1)
(2) Candling Lights. As newer and faster equipment has been developed and installed in official plants, the need for additional facilities and equipment to grade official samples has increased. To provide acceptable space and equipment for two graders to perform official grading activities or have space available for a supervisor to conduct supervisory visits without disrupting the grading activities of the official grader, this rule would revise the candling light requirement from one to two and would require a candling booth of sufficient size to accommodate at least two candling lights for additional graders. (§ 56.17)
(3) Communications. The current regulations specify that service may be requested or reported by telephone or telegraph. Even though these forms of communication may still be used, the revisions would allow alternate forms of electronic communications as are currently available in the market place. (§§ 56.21, 56.58)
(4) Temporary Grading Service. Processors are now able to request temporary grading service which provides them the ability to pack grade-identified shell eggs into officially grademarked cartons without utilizing continuous resident grading service. They must still meet all facility, equipment, and operating requirements specified for plants utilizing continuous grading services. This revision would add temporary grading service as a type of grading service that could be requested by an applicant. The regulations would also be revised by providing that certificates may be issued to an applicant who utilizes temporary grading. (§§ 56.17, 56.56)
(5) Lot Numbering. The current regulations specify that product be lot numbered on either the carton or the consumer package. Processors have requested that they be allowed to lot identify shell eggs by placing the lot number on the individual egg. This revision would update the regulations to Start Printed Page 31040reflect changes in the marketing of shell eggs. (§ 56.37)
(6) Official Identification. The current regulations specify that the official identification of any graded product shall be done only under the supervision of a grader or quality assurance inspector. The revision would clarify that only product which is identified with the grademark shall be officially identified under the supervision of a grader or quality assurance inspector. (§ 56.39)
(7) Types of Grading Services. The types of grading services available to an applicant would be added. There are often questions about each type of available grading service and this revision would provide an explanation of those services. (§ 56.28)
(8) Appeal Gradings. The sample size of an appeal grading when the original samples are not available or have undergone a material change would be double the samples required by § 56.4(b). The current regulations specify that only in the instance where the original samples are not available shall the appeal sample size be double that required by § 56.4(b). It is necessary to increase the sample size to improve the confidence level of results and properly resolve the issue prompting the applicant's appeal. (§ 56.65)
(9) Occupational Safety and Health Regulations. The shell egg industry is subject to Federal, State, and local government occupational safety and health regulations. This proposal would update the regulations to reflect that an applicant utilizing the official grading service must be in compliance with all applicable Federal, State, and local government occupational safety and health regulations. (56.76)
(10) General Premises. General premise requirements would be added. The current regulations do not specify such requirements. In order to grade and pack shell eggs in the most efficient and sanitary manner, shell egg graders and packers must maintain the premises of their facilities in a manner that is not a deterrent to the grading and packing of shell eggs. The revision would specify that the premises of the facility be maintained in an appropriate manner. (§ 56.76)
(11) Structures and Facilities. The current regulations specify that only certain facilities, such as benches, and only certain structures, such as walls, are required to be replaced with materials impervious to moisture when they become subjected to moisture or develop odors. The revision would update the regulations to reflect that all structures and facilities subject to moisture must be readily cleanable, sanitarily maintained, and impervious to moisture and that floors are constructed for proper drainage. (§ 56.76)
(12) Lavatories and Toilets. The current regulations specify that lavatory and toilet accommodations shall be provided with hot and cold running water, ventilation, and hand washing instruction signs. The revisions would also specify that the facilities be located in areas separate and away from the grading and processing rooms. (§ 56.76)
(13) Storage Areas. The current regulations do not specify requirements for storage areas for storing packing and packaging materials to be used for consumer labeled shell eggs. This revision would specify that adequate packing and packaging storage areas be provided and properly maintained in order that packing and packaging are stored in a dry, clean, and sanitary environment. (§ 56.76)
(14) Grading and Packing Rooms. The current regulations that specify grading and packing room requirements should be updated to reflect the current state of technology in egg production and processing. The revision would update the requirements of the grading and packing rooms by specifying their sanitary design and construction. Additionally, the revision would specify that during operations the sanitation of the processing areas and equipment be maintained in a satisfactory manner. (§ 56.76)
(15) Shell Egg Cooler Rooms. The current regulations provide that humidifying equipment capable of maintaining a relative humidity, which will minimize shrinkage, shall be provided. However, they do not specify a percentage of relative humidity that the equipment should provide. The revision would specify that the regulations provide that the cooler rooms which will hold consumer labeled shell eggs shall be capable of maintaining a relative humidity of 70 percent or higher and that appropriate equipment be provided to measure relative humidity. (§ 56.76)
(16) Shell Egg Protecting Operations. The current regulations that specify shell egg protecting operation requirements should be updated to reflect the current state of technology in egg production and processing. The revision would update the regulations by specifying that the requirements for shell egg protecting equipment include its sanitary design, maintenance, and operation. The revision would also eliminate the requirement that previously used contaminated oil be heat treated prior to its reuse. This is an obsolete process that is not used and should be removed from the regulations. (§ 56.76)
(17) Shell Egg Washing. The current regulations specify that shell egg cleaning equipment shall be maintained and properly cleaned. These regulations should be updated to reflect the changing technology in egg production and processing. The revision would specify that shell egg washing equipment be sanitarily designed and maintained in a clean and sanitary manner. The revision would also specify that shell egg drying equipment be sanitarily designed and maintained, that air used for drying must be filtered, and that filters are to be cleaned and maintained. (§ 56.76)
(18) Shell Egg Wash Water. The current regulations specify the temperatures of shell egg wash water, but do not specify that an accurate thermometer is to be provided to monitor the required wash water temperature. The revision would clarify that the plant would be responsible for providing an accurate thermometer to measure the temperature of the wash water. (§ 56.76)
(19) Spray Rinse Sanitizer. The current regulations specify that shell eggs be spray rinsed with water containing an approved sanitizer of not less than 50 p/m nor more than 200 p/m of available chlorine. The revision would revise the regulations to reflect that the spray rinse contains a sanitizer approved by the national supervisor of not less than 100 p/m nor more than 200 p/m of available chlorine or its equivalent. With the development of newer and faster processing equipment, the speed at which shell eggs are processed has increased. Correspondingly, this increase in speed has resulted in shell eggs being spray rinsed with an approved sanitizer for a shorter period of time, reducing the overall effectiveness of the sanitizing spray rinse. However, when the minimum amount of sanitizer used to spray rinse shell eggs is increased, the loss in effectiveness caused by the increased speed of the processing equipment is reduced. The revision would update the regulations to reflect that shell eggs receive an increased exposure to an approved sanitizer. (§ 56.76)
(20) Shell Egg Washing. The current regulations specify that shell eggs be removed from washing equipment during any rest period. The revision would reflect that shell eggs be removed from the processing equipment during any non-processing periods to prevent loss of egg quality from extended exposure to elevated temperatures. (§ 56.76) Start Printed Page 31041
(21) Removal of Washing Operation Steam and Vapors. The current regulations specify that steam and vapors from the washing operation be continuously and directly removed from the building. The revision would specify that steam, vapors, or odors originating from washing and rinsing operations shall be exhausted to the outside of the building to prevent the development of an undesirable environment in the shell egg processing room. (§ 56.76)
(22) Shell Egg Packing. The current regulations that specify the packing requirements for eggs that are to be identified with a grademark should be updated to reflect the type of packing and packaging materials used by shell egg processors. When the regulations were promulgated most all packing materials were constructed of fiber materials. Today many other materials, such as plastic and metal, are used in the construction of packing materials. The revision would add that eggs that are to be identified with a grademark may be packed in other than fiber packing materials. (§ 56.76)
(23) Approval of Chemicals and Compounds. The current regulations specifying the requirements for the use of approved chemicals and compounds should be updated. The regulations would be updated to reflect that the national supervisor, Poultry Programs is responsible for determining acceptance of the intended use of chemicals and compounds for their specified use. Shell egg processing facilities will still be responsible for using chemicals and compounds in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. (§ 56.76)
Currently, the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946, as amended, (7 U.S.C. 1621 et seq.) authorizes a voluntary grading program for shell eggs. Shell egg processors that apply for service must pay for the services rendered. So that costs are shared by all users, these user fees are proportional to the volume of shell eggs graded. Shell egg processors are entitled to pack their eggs in packages bearing the USDA grade shield when AMS graders are present to certify that the eggs meet the grade requirements as labeled. Plants in which these grading services are performed are called official plants. Shell egg processors who do not use USDA's grading service may not use the USDA grademark. There are about 558 shell egg processors registered with the Department that have 3,000 or more laying hens. Of these, 161 are official plants that use USDA's grading service and would be subject to this proposed rule. Of these 161 official plants, 38 meet the small business definition.
One proposal would require that plants provide two candling lights in an acceptable candling booth. This change is necessary to provide requested grading service in an acceptable manner with the new equipment and facilities that have been developed and installed in official plants. As new facilities have been built and existing facilities renovated, they have been equipped with at least two candling lights in acceptable candling booths. Currently, all of the plants that utilize the voluntary grading program for shell eggs have at least two acceptable candling lights. Therefore, this proposal would have no adverse economic impact on processors.
One proposal would allow producers to request service by electronic communications. Similarly, another proposal would allow the results of grading to be disseminated by any acceptable means of communications. These proposals provide that processors are able to receive or send communications by the most acceptable and efficient means of communication that the current state of technology allows. These proposals expand the way that producers may communicate. Therefore, these proposals would also have no adverse economic impact on producers.
One proposal would include temporary grading service as a type of grading service that shell egg processors may request. Another proposal would provide that certificates may be issued under temporary grading service. This service is currently being offered to the industry as a method by which shell egg processors can pack eggs into shielded cartons without utilizing official continuous grading service. These proposals would only formalize this type of service. Because the service is already available and being used, they would have no economic impact on processors.
One proposal to establish an alternate method of lot numbering eggs would allow shell egg processors to place a code date on an individual egg. This action will bring the regulations in line with a procedure that is currently approved by the Agency and in use in the market place. This proposal would have no adverse economic impact on processors.
One proposal would clarify and update facility requirements. This proposal would update the regulations by incorporating requirements that a plant must currently meet prior to the start of grading service at a facility. After a plant makes an application for grading service, an Agency representative conducts a plant survey to determine if the plant premises, facility, and equipment can satisfactorily support the official grading of shell eggs. These pre-requisite requirements are based on good manufacturing practices typically associated with food processing and have specific application to shell egg processing. Plants currently utilizing the grading service must maintain their premises, facility, equipment, and operating procedures at a minimum acceptance level. This proposal would only reflect the requirements which facilities are presently meeting and would have no economic impact on processors.
One proposal that updates the facility requirements would require that cooler rooms that hold shell eggs identified with a consumer grademark be capable of maintaining a relative humidity of 70 percent or higher. The regulations currently provide that humidifying equipment capable of maintaining a relative humidity, which will minimize shrinkage, shall be provided. However, the regulations do not specify a percentage of relative humidity that the equipment should provide. A relative humidity of 70% or higher is considered sound and conforms with processing operations presently in use by the shell egg industry.[1] This provides a level of Start Printed Page 31042humidity that will maintain the quality of shell eggs. This proposal would have no adverse economic impact on processors.
Other changes to the definitions and editorial-type changes would clarify and update the existing regulations and would have no economic impact on entities using voluntary shell egg grading service.
For the above reasons, the Agency has certified that this action will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.
This proposed rule has been reviewed under Executive Order 12988, Civil Justice Reform. This action is not intended to have retroactive effect. This rule will not preempt any State or local laws, regulations, or policies, unless they present an irreconcilable conflict with this rule. There are no administrative procedures which must be exhausted prior to any judicial challenge to the provisions of this rule.
The information collection requirements in §§ 56.21(a), 56.21(c), 56.37, 56.56(a), 56.58, 56.76(f)(7), and 56.76(h) to be amended by this rule have been previously approved by OMB and assigned OMB control number 0581-0128 under the Paper Reduction Act of 1995.
For reasons set forth in the preamble, it is proposed that 7 CFR part 56 be amended as follows:
3. In § 56.9, the table in paragraph (b) is amended by removing the entries for 56.76(e)(6) and 56.76(g) and adding in their place the entries for 56.76(f)(7), 56.76(h), and 56.21(c) to read as follows:
§ 56.9.
56.21(c) 0581-0128
56.76(f)(7) 0581-0128
56.76(h) 0581-0128
(5) Two candling lights that provide a sufficient combined illumination through both the aperture and downward through the bottom to facilitate accurate interior and exterior quality determinations; and
5. Section 56.21 is amended by revising paragraph (a) and adding paragraph (c) to read as follows:
(c) Temporary grading service on a fee basis. An application for grading service on a temporary basis must be made in writing on forms approved by the Administrator and filed with the Administrator. Such forms may be obtained at the national, regional, or State grading office. In making application, the applicant agrees to comply with the terms and conditions Start Printed Page 31043of the regulations (including, but not limited to, such instructions governing grading of products as may be issued from time to time by the Administrator). No member of or Delegate to Congress or Resident Commissioner shall be admitted to any benefit that may arise from such service unless derived through service rendered a corporation for its general benefit.
The official identification with the grademark of any product as provided in §§ 56.35 through 56.41, inclusive, shall be done only under the supervision of a grader or quality assurance inspector. * * *
11. In § 56.56, the headings of paragraphs (a) and (b) are both amended by adding the words “or temporary” between the words “resident grading.”
Procedures for appeal gradings
(6) Adequate toilet accommodations which are conveniently located and separated from the grading and packing rooms are to be provided. Handwashing facilities shall be provided with hot and cold running water, an acceptable handwashing detergent, and a sanitary method for drying hands. Toilet rooms shall be ventilated to the outside of the building and be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition. Signs shall be posted in the toilet rooms instructing employees to wash their hands before returning to work. In new or remodeled construction, toilet rooms shall be Start Printed Page 31044located in areas that do not open directly into processing rooms.
(d) Cooler room requirements. (1) Cooler rooms holding shell eggs that are identified with a consumer grade shall be refrigerated and capable of maintaining an ambient temperature no greater than 45 °F (7.2 °C) and a relative humidity of 70 percent or higher. Accurate thermometers and hygrometers shall be provided for monitoring cooler room temperatures and relative humidity.
(2) Cooler rooms shall be free from objectionable odors and from mold, and shall be maintained in a sanitary condition.
(g) Requirements for eggs officially identified with a grademark. (1) Shell eggs that are officially identified with a consumer grademark shall be placed under refrigeration at an ambient temperature no greater than 45 °F (7.2 °C) promptly after packaging.
(2) Eggs that are to be officially identified with the grademark shall be packed only in new or good used packing material and new packaging materials that are clean, free of mold, mustiness and off odors, and must be of sufficient strength and durability to adequately protect the eggs during Start Printed Page 31045normal distribution. When packed in other than fiber packing material, the containers must be of sound construction and maintained in a reasonably clean manner.
1. Stadelman and Cotterill in Egg Science and Technology, 4th Edition, 1995, recommend that the relative humidity of egg holding rooms should not drop below 60 percent relative humidity to retard evaporation and prevent a loss in shell egg quality. Moreover, Stadelman and Cotterill recommend that eggs be held under a relative humidity of 70 percent to 80 percent.
[FR Doc. 04-12201 Filed 6-1-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3401-02-P