Lowering Egg Prices Act of 2025
Summary
The Lowering Egg Prices Act of 2025 aims to reduce egg prices by modifying regulations related to surplus broiler hatching eggs. Specifically, it exempts these eggs, intended for sale to egg breakers, from certain shell egg regulations under Title 21 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
This act mandates the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in consultation with the Secretary of Agriculture, to revise these regulations within 180 days of enactment. The revision should allow for temperature and time conditions compatible with hatching chicks while enabling the sale of these eggs to egg breakers.
The bill defines key terms like 'egg breaker,' 'broiler hatching egg,' and 'broiler hatchery' to clarify the scope and application of the proposed changes.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this act will be a change in how surplus broiler hatching eggs are handled and sold. It will likely lead to a reduction in regulatory burden for egg producers, potentially increasing the supply of eggs available for processing.
This could result in lower prices for liquid egg products and, consequently, for food manufacturers who use these products. The revised rule will need to balance food safety concerns with the economic benefits of utilizing surplus eggs.
Potential Benefits
- Potential Reduction in Egg Prices: By streamlining the process for selling surplus broiler hatching eggs, the act aims to increase the supply of eggs available for processing, potentially lowering prices for consumers.
- Reduced Regulatory Burden: Exempting surplus broiler hatching eggs from certain shell egg regulations could reduce the compliance costs for egg producers.
- Increased Efficiency in Egg Production: Allowing these eggs to be sold to egg breakers can prevent waste and make better use of available resources.
- Support for Egg Breakers: Providing a more readily available supply of eggs could benefit egg breakers by increasing their production capacity.
- Alignment with Market Needs: The revised rule will be tailored to the specific conditions of broiler hatching eggs, potentially leading to more efficient and appropriate regulations.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential Food Safety Concerns: Relaxing regulations on egg handling could raise concerns about food safety if not properly managed by the revised rule.
- Need for Careful Rule Revision: The Secretary of Health and Human Services must carefully revise the rules to ensure that food safety is not compromised while allowing for the sale of surplus eggs.
- Uncertainty in Price Reduction: The extent to which the act will actually lower egg prices is uncertain and depends on various market factors.
- Potential Impact on Small Egg Producers: The act may disproportionately benefit larger egg producers who have the capacity to handle surplus broiler hatching eggs.
- Possible Unintended Consequences: Changes in regulations can sometimes lead to unintended consequences that are difficult to predict.
Constitutional Alignment
The Lowering Egg Prices Act of 2025 appears to align with the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 3) of the U.S. Constitution, which grants Congress the power to regulate interstate commerce. The act directly affects the production and sale of eggs, which are goods traded across state lines.
Additionally, the requirement for the Secretary of Health and Human Services to issue a revised rule falls under the delegation of authority from Congress to the executive branch, a common practice that has been upheld by the Supreme Court as long as Congress provides an 'intelligible principle' to guide the agency's actions.
There are no apparent conflicts with individual liberties or rights protected by the Constitution or its amendments.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).