EGG PRODUCTS INSPECTION ACT A program to assure wholesome shell eggs and egg products in the marketplace. Passed by Congress in December, 1970, the Egg Products Inspection Act is administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and imposes specific inspection requirements for two categories of eggs - egg products and shell eggs.

The Act gives enforcement authority to the USDA and to the Food and Drug Administration. Federal agriculture officials or state officials acting on behalf of USDA visit egg packers and hatcheries at least every three months to see that they are in compliance with the law. Firms which transport, ship or receive shell eggs and egg products may also be checked periodically. Under the Egg Products Inspection Act, plants that break, dry and process shell eggs into liquid, frozen or dried egg products must operate under the continuous inspection program of the USDA. An official inspector must be present at all times when eggs are being processed. The law applies to all egg-breaking plants, regardless of size, and to those selling products locally, across state lines and in foreign commerce. Disposition of undesirable shell eggs is controlled to prevent their entering consumer food channels. -see Egg Products, Grading, Restricted Eggs