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Bill Would Require USDA to Reevaluate Safety of Seven Food Ingredients in Meat, Poultry, and Egg Products

H.R. 7588 would require the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s Food Safety and Inspection Service to reassess the safety of butylated hydroxyanisole, butylated hydroxytoluene, cetylpyridinium chloride, sodium aluminum phosphate, sodium nitrate, sulfuric acid, and titanium dioxide as additives in meat, poultry, and egg products for human consumption. The bill was introduced by Representative Janice Schakowsky along with three original cosponsors and referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.

Illinois Bill Would Prohibit Intensive Confinement of Egg-Laying Hens and Sale of Eggs from Caged Hens

Illinois Senate Bill 3655, the “Confinement of Egg-Laying Hens Act,” would mandate cage-free housing for egg-laying hens and prohibit the sale of eggs and egg products from hens subjected to intensive confinement practices. Under the bill, violators could be subject to a $2,000 civil penalty per violation per day. Its provisions would be effective January 1, 2026. The bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Assignments.

Mercy for Animals Accuses Burnbrae Farms of Lack of Transparency Regarding Chicken Welfare

Mercy For Animals (MFA) criticizes Burnbrae Farms, Canada’s largest family-owned and operated egg producer, for alleged lack of transparency regarding chicken welfare in its supply chain. The group also criticized Burnbrae’s “lack of transparency and continued investment in cages despite touting a commitment to animal welfare.” MFA highlights that, in 2022, Burnbrae reported nearly half its supply shifted to “alternative housing,” including “enriched” cages. The group argues “enriched” cages fail to meet consumer expectations for cage-free standards, likening them to conventional battery cages.

Regina City Council Rejects Backyard Chicken Pilot Project

At their first meeting of the year, Regina City Council voted against a proposal for a backyard chicken pilot project. Ward 8 Councillor Shanon Zachidniak initially suggested the initiative. Despite support from groups like Queen City Chickens, concerns over pests and avian flu deterred Mayor Sandra Masters and four others from pursuing the idea. Mayor Masters emphasized the need to prioritize other city issues such as housing, zoning, and service demands.

Bill Would Prohibit Plant-Based Product Labels from Using Egg Terms

S. 3584, the “Consistent Egg Labels Act of 2024,” would impose restrictions on the use of egg terms on food labels and direct the Food and Drug Administration to issue guidance on enforcement of those restrictions. The bill was introduced by Senator John Fetterman and referred to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

Maryland Bill Would Prohibit Use of Battery Cages and Sale of Eggs from Hens Confined to Battery Cages

Maryland Senate Bill 193 would prohibit the use of battery cages to house egg-laying hens and prohibit the sale of eggs or egg products from hens confined to battery cages. The bill is a carryover of Senate Bill 690 from the previous legislative session. The bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Education, Energy, and the Environment. A committee hearing on the bill is scheduled for January 23, 2024.

Survey Reveals Canadian Public Supports Cage-Free Labels on Eggs

A recent survey by Bryant Research highlights Canadian consumers' strong desire for enhanced animal welfare and transparency in the food system, particularly concerning egg production. The study reveals that eighty percent of respondents were disappointed to discover that Canada's cage record is worse than the United States’, with seventy-two percent supporting a ban on caged confinement. 87 percent of respondents believe supermarkets should provide transparent information about egg sourcing, and seventy-nine percent urge grocery stores and restaurants to cease selling eggs from caged hens. The findings underscore a significant shift in consumer preferences, emphasizing the need for clearer communication through in-store signage.

FSIS Revises Directive Governing Adulterated or Misbranded Meat, Poultry, and Egg Products

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) published revisions to its directive regarding adulterated or misbranded meat, poultry, and egg products “to include egg products as an FSIS-regulated commodity subject to voluntary recall.” The revision also “provide[s] instruction regarding large volume recalls and recalls of ingredients regulated by the Food and Drug Administration” and makes other definitional and clarifying revisions.

New Hampshire Bill Would Establish Two-Year Farm-to-School Pilot Program

New Hampshire House Bill 1678-FN would establish a two-year pilot program to reimburse schools for the purchase of food from New Hampshire and New England producers. Foods eligible for reimbursement under the program would include “fish, pork, beef, poultry, eggs, fruits, vegetables, cider, and maple syrup,” as well as processed dairy products and minimally processed produce and proteins. The program would exclude fluid milk. The bill has been referred to the House Education Committee.