. /.WORLD TRADE
ORGANIZATIONG/SPS/N/USA/133
9 September 1998
(98-3423)
Committee on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures Original:  English
NOTIFICATION
1. Member to Agreement notifying:  UNITED STATES
If applicable, name of local government involved:           
2. Agency responsible:   Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection
3. Products covered (tariff item number(s) as specified in national schedules deposited
with the WTO.  ICS numbers may be provided in addition, where applicable):   Shell
eggs
4. Title and number of pages of the notified document:   Refrigeration and Labelling
Requirements for Shell Eggs.
5. Description of content:  The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is revising its
regulations governing the inspection of eggs and egg products to implement 1991
amendments to the Egg Products Inspection Act (EPIA).  These amendments require that
shell eggs packed for consumer use be stored and transported under refrigeration at anambient temperature not to exceed 45°F (7.2°C).  In addition, the amendments require that
these packed shell eggs be labelled to state that refrigeration is required.  Finally, the
amendments require that any shell eggs imported into the United States packed for
consumer use include a certification that the eggs, at all times after packing, have been
stored and transported at an ambient temperature of no greater than 45°F (7.2°C).
6. Objective and rationale: Food safety
7. An international standard, guideline or recommendation does not exist [ X ].
If an international standard, guideline or  recommendation exists, whenever possible,
identify deviations:           
8. Relevant documents and language(s) in which these are available:
63 FR 45663, 27 August 1998;  (Available in English – 13 pages);  7 CFR Part 59.
9. Proposed date of adoption:  To be determined.
10. Proposed date of entry into force:  27 August 1999G/SPS/N/USA/133
Page 2
11. Final date for comments:  26 October 1998.
As noted in the full text the proposed rule requirements for shell eggs was published on
27 October 1992.  Because the proposed rule was published approximately six years ago,
FSIS is requesting comments on this final rule.  FSIS requests comments on the economic
impact analysis in these regulations and on options for monitoring compliance with
refrigeration and labelling requirements.  Comments must be received on or before
26 October 1998.
Agency or authority designated to handle comments:  Food Safety and Inspection
Service, USDA
12. Texts available from:  National enquiry point [     ] or address, telefax number and
E-mail address (if available) of other body:   
United States SPS Enquiry Point
USDA/FAS/FSTSD
Attn:  Carolyn F. WilsonRoom 5545 South Agriculture Building
Stop 1027
1400 Independence Avenue, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20250
Phone:  (202) 720-2239Fax:  (202) 690-0677
E-mail:  ofsts@fas.usda.gov