Washington, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik and Congresswoman Susan Wild (D-PA) introduced the bipartisan Consistent Egg Labels Act to protect egg producers and the quality of their products by combatting the unfair practice of mislabeled imitation egg products using the term “egg” on their product labels. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) and Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) are introducing companion legislation in the Senate.
“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,” said Congresswoman Elise Stefanik.
“I’ve heard from poultry farmers in my community about the importance of protecting Pennsylvania’s farm industry from so-called ‘egg alternatives,’” said Congresswoman Susan Wild. “That’s why I’m proud to co-lead the bipartisan Consistent Egg Labels Act of 2024, which will not only help our poultry farmers but also provide more transparency to consumers.”
“United Egg Producers 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,” stated United Egg Producers.
“As a family farmer and third generation egg producer in New York, I appreciate the advocacy of Congresswoman Elise Stefanik on behalf of America’s egg farmers,” said Craig Giroux, Giroux’s Poultry Farm. “Quite simply, an egg is an egg, and no imitation product can deliver the high-quality protein and tremendous nutritional value of eggs. Congresswoman Stefanik is a champion for our state’s farm community, and her leadership to protect the authenticity and value of eggs by requiring proper labeling on egg imitations is critical for our industry’s future.”
Specifically, the Consistent Egg Labels Act would:
- Require enforcement against misbranded egg alternatives.
- Require FDA to issue draft guidance for nationwide enforcement of mislabeled imitation egg products within 90 days. A food can be labeled an egg or egg product only 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 encased in a calcium-based shell.
- Require the Food and Drug Administration to report to Congress no later than two years after enactment on their enforcement actions taken, including warnings issued and penalties assessed.
