U.S. Senators Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and John Fetterman (D-Pa.) introduced the bipartisan Consistent Egg Labels Act to create clear guidelines for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ensure any product labeled as an egg is actually derived from poultry.
Many Americans rely on eggs and egg products as an affordable, healthy source of protein and nutrients. However, companies that label plant-based products as “eggs” undermine the integrity of real egg farmers, a vast majority of which are in Iowa, the leading egg-production state in the nation.
Despite having the authority to regulate products with a “common or usual name,” such as eggs, the FDA has failed to take any action against these deceptive labeling claims. Ernst’s bill would require the FDA to issue guidance for nationwide enforcement of mislabeled egg alternatives within 180 days and make the FDA accountable to Congress to enact this within two years.
“Our egg producers and farmers work hard to put high-quality, nutritious eggs on consumers’ tables. Labeling plant-based products as “eggs” undermines that hard work – it’s simply un-egg-cceptable,” said Senator Ernst. “I’m committed to maintaining the integrity of real eggs in our grocery stores on behalf of both consumers and farmers.”
“As the national leader in egg production, Iowa’s poultry producers are proud to provide consumers with healthy and affordable protein packed eggs and egg products,” said Mike Naig, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture. “Given that eggs come from poultry, and milk and meat are all from livestock, consumers deserve to know what is actually in the imitations that are being deceptively marketed to them. Labeling plant-based liquid as egg is obviously inaccurate, so I thank Senator Ernst and her bi-partisan coalition of Senators for ‘cracking’ down on this misleading marketing.”
“Accurate labeling supports real eggs and egg products, produced by real egg farmers. This legislation is long overdue and a positive step toward ensuring labels at the supermarket accurately represent the items consumers buy to feed their families,” said Kevin Stiles, executive director of the North Central Poultry Association and the Iowa Egg Council. “Eggs are among nature’s most nutritious foods, and plant-based egg alternatives don’t match eggs when it comes to nutrition, functionality, and taste. Consumers deserve to be fully informed on the products they purchase, and we welcome these efforts to help alleviate confusion in consumers’ minds.”
“United Egg Producers is grateful for the bipartisan leadership supporting theConsistent Egg Labels Act,” said Chad Gregory, president and CEO of United Egg Producers. “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.”
