S. 2929: Consistent Egg Labels Act of 2025

This bill, titled the Consistent Egg Labels Act of 2025, aims to establish clear labeling requirements for egg alternatives and to enforce actions against products that are misleadingly labeled. It recognizes that eggs and egg products are significant sources of nutrition and that there is a growing market for plant-based egg alternatives. Here’s a breakdown of the key components of the bill:

Findings

The bill includes several findings that highlight the nutritional importance of eggs, such as:

• Eggs are nutrient-rich foods that contribute to a healthy diet.
• They provide essential nutrients like iron, zinc, protein, and other vital compounds.
• Many consumers view eggs as an affordable and healthy protein source.
• Consumers may need alternatives for various reasons, including allergies, and should be assured of accurate labeling.

Purpose

The bill states that any food product using egg-related market names must meet specific criteria defined for eggs. This means that if a product claims to be an egg or an egg product, it must adhere to the legal definition established under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.

Enforcement of Definition

The bill proposes amendments to strengthen enforcement against misbranding. It introduces new definitions regarding what constitutes an "egg" or "egg product". Some key points include:

• An "egg" must be from avian poultry and be encased in a calcium-based shell.
• An "egg product" refers specifically to those defined in existing federal regulations.
• The terms cannot be used if the product does not meet these definitions and is intended to substitute for eggs or egg products.
• Use of the term "egg" is permissible if it does not misrepresent the product as an alternative.

Guidance and Reporting

The bill mandates that the Secretary of Health and Human Services will issue guidance on how these new labeling requirements will be enforced:

• Initial draft guidance must be released within 180 days of the bill becoming law.
• Final guidance is to be issued within one year.
• A report to Congress detailing actions taken regarding misbranded egg alternatives must be provided within two years of enactment.

Conclusion of Previous Guidance

Any prior guidance related to eggs and egg products that conflicts with the new regulations will no longer be valid following the enactment of this bill.

Relevant Companies

None found