Lowering Egg Prices Act of 2025
- Sponsor
- Rep. Riley, Josh [D-NY-19]
- Committees
- Energy and Commerce Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Mar 18, 2025
Bottom line
The bill aims to increase the supply of eggs for liquid egg products by allowing surplus broiler hatching eggs to be diverted to egg breakers, potentially lowering egg prices, by modifying existing federal regulations.
What it actually does
This bill makes current federal regulations regarding shell egg temperature and holding periods inapplicable to surplus broiler hatching eggs when they are sold to egg breakers for processing into liquid egg products. It also mandates that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), in consultation with the Department of Agriculture (USDA), issue a new rule within 180 days to specifically allow these eggs to be held under conditions compatible with hatching chicks, while still permitting their sale for liquid egg product processing.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that this bill will reduce food waste by creating a viable secondary market for surplus broiler hatching eggs that would otherwise be discarded. They contend that by making more eggs available for processing into liquid egg products, the bill will help stabilize and potentially lower egg prices for consumers, while also benefiting egg producers by providing an additional revenue stream for eggs not used for hatching.
Opponents contend
Opponents might raise concerns about potential food safety risks associated with relaxing temperature and holding period regulations for eggs, even if they are intended for further processing. They could argue that ensuring the highest safety standards for all eggs entering the food supply chain should take precedence, and that any changes must be rigorously evaluated to prevent public health compromises, despite the eggs being subject to the Egg Products Inspection Act.
The bill is very short and clear, making it highly accessible for a quick and informed evaluation by any reader.
Section 2(a)
Inapplicability of Current Shell Egg Rule
This provision immediately makes a specific federal regulation (21 CFR 118.4(e)) irrelevant for surplus broiler hatching eggs that are intended to be sold to facilities that break eggs for liquid egg products. This means that the current rules on how shell eggs must be stored (likely temperature and time) will no longer apply to these particular eggs, effective upon the bill's enactment.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that this immediate change is crucial to quickly unlock the potential for using surplus hatching eggs, preventing unnecessary waste and providing a rapid market correction to egg supply issues. They contend that the subsequent rulemaking will ensure long-term safety while this provision offers immediate relief.
Critics contend
Critics might argue that making a regulation immediately inapplicable without a new, comprehensive rule in place could create a temporary regulatory gap or uncertainty regarding food safety standards, even if the eggs are destined for processing under other existing acts.
Tradeoffs
The provision balances the immediate economic benefit of utilizing surplus eggs against the need for comprehensive regulatory oversight. It provides a quick fix while mandating a more permanent solution.
Section 2(b)
Mandate for Revised Rulemaking
This section requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services, through the FDA and in consultation with the Secretary of Agriculture, to issue a new regulation within 180 days. This new rule must specifically allow surplus broiler hatching eggs to be stored at temperatures and for periods that are compatible with their original purpose (hatching chicks), while still permitting their sale to egg breakers for processing into liquid egg products.