A U.S. new bill, referred to as the Consistent Egg Labels Act, could soon prevent the practice of mislabeling imitation or plant-based egg products using the term “egg.”
The bill states that food can only be labeled as an egg or egg product if the food is, contains as a primary ingredient, or is derived from the reproductive output of avian poultry species, including an albumen or yolk, that was enclosed in a calcium-based shell.
If implemented, the rule would require egg companies to stop marketing egg alternative products with the word “egg” and require the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to issue draft guidance to enforce the rule within 90 days in the U.S.
The act would also require the FDA to report to Congress within two years of implementing the rule concerning the status, warnings issued and penalties given. Additionally, the legislation would nullify any guidance with respect to eggs or egg products that is not consistent with its standards.
Congresswomen Elise Stefanik and Susan Wild presented the act to Congress on January 12th.
Stefanik stated: “I’m leading the effort to help egg producers in Upstate New York and the North Country protect the quality and reputation of their products by ending deceptive marketing practices by imitation egg products. Misbranded egg alternatives do not deliver the same nutritional value, yet profit off of deceiving consumers with the use of terms such as “egg” in their marketing. This mislabeling is not only confusing for American consumers, but it is false advertising.”
The act has gained support from U.S. agricultural cooperative United Egg Producers.
Commenting on the act, UEP stated: “UEP is grateful for the bipartisan leadership supporting the Consistent Egg Labels Act. Eggs remain one of nature’s most perfect foods, and imitation products cannot compete with the unmatched protein and nutrients found in eggs. Our farmer-members, who produce the vast majority of the nation’s eggs, recognize the need for clarity on labels for consumers, and the Consistent Egg Labels Act provides that transparency.”
