HR 5659119th CongressIn Committee

Consistent Egg Labels Act of 2025

Introduced: Sep 30, 2025

Sponsor: Rep. Stefanik, Elise M. [R-NY-21] (R-New York)

Agriculture & Food

Standard Summary

Comprehensive overview in 1-2 paragraphs

The Consistent Egg Labels Act of 2025 would add a new enforcement framework to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to prevent misbranding of egg substitutes and other egg-labeled products. Specifically, it bars the introduction or delivery of any food into interstate commerce under an egg or egg product market name unless the food actually meets the federal definitions of “egg” or “egg product.” The act defines what counts as an egg or an egg product and what market names are considered when applying the rule. It also requires FDA to issue guidance on how to enforce these provisions, overrides conflicting older guidance, and mandates a two-year reporting timeline to Congress on actions taken against misbranded egg products and a plan for further action if misbranding persists in interstate commerce. The overall aim is to ensure labeling is truthful and not misleading, particularly for consumers who rely on clear labeling for allergies or dietary choices.

Key Points

1Enforcement against misbranding: The bill adds a new misbranding provision to the FD&C Act (section 403(z)) stating that using an egg or egg product market name for a food that does not meet the defined criterion for “egg” or “egg product” is misbranding.
2Definitions of egg and egg product: An “egg” is the reproductive output of avian poultry with a calcium-based shell (albumen or yolk included). An “egg product” is defined by the applicable regulatory descriptions found in 21 CFR Part 160 (and related CFR references in 9 CFR 590.5). Market names include those in 21 CFR Part 160, 9 CFR 590.5, or the common and usual name “egg.”
3Guidance and implementation: The Secretary of Health and Human Services, via the Commissioner of FDA, must issue draft guidance within 180 days and final guidance within 1 year after enactment on how to enforce the new provisions.
4Superseding prior guidance: Any FDA guidance inconsistent with the new provisions, as of enactment, would have no force or effect.
5Reporting to Congress and enforcement plan: Within 2 years, HHS (through FDA) and USDA (through FSIS) must report actions taken against misbranded foods, including warnings and penalties, and provide an updated plan if misbranded egg products are still offered in interstate commerce.

Impact Areas

Primary group/area affected- Egg producers and egg product manufacturers: Businesses that use (or consider using) egg-related market names will face new labeling requirements and potential enforcement actions if their products do not meet the defined egg criteria.- Egg alternatives and “egg substitute” producers: Companies marketing plant-based or other alternatives labeled with egg-related terms may need to adjust labeling to avoid misbranding if their products don’t meet the statutory definitions.Secondary group/area affected- Consumers and individuals with food allergies or dietary restrictions: clearer labeling would help avoid mistaken assumptions about products being real eggs.- Retailers and distributors: will need to verify product labeling to ensure compliance and avoid penalties for misbranding.Additional impacts- Regulatory agencies: FDA and USDA would carry out enforcement and issue guidance, potentially increasing regulatory oversight of labeling practices for egg-related products.- Compliance costs and legal exposure: Companies may incur costs to re-label products, update marketing materials, or modify formulations to meet the defined criteria, plus potential civil penalties for non-compliance.- Interstate commerce: The focus on misbranding in interstate commerce could impact how products are marketed nationwide, influencing marketing strategies and product development.

Generated by gpt-5-nano on Oct 16, 2025