MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2000 Regular Session

To: Agriculture

By: Representative Holland

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 69-7-327, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REQUIRE THE WORDS "KEEP REFRIGERATED" ON CONTAINERS OF EGGS; TO AMEND SECTION 69-7-329, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REVISE THE TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENTS FOR EGGS FOR MARKETING PURPOSES; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

SECTION 1. Section 69-7-327, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

69-7-327. Any container or subcontainer in which eggs are marketed to consumers shall bear on the outside portion of the container, but shall not be limited to, the following:

(a) The applicable consumer grade provided for in this article.

(b) The applicable size or weight class provided for in this article.

(c) The word "eggs."

(d) The numerical count of the contents.

(e) The name and address of the producer, packer or distributor.

(f) The date the eggs were graded applied legibly to the carton or on the tape used to seal the carton. Such date shall be expressed as the consecutive day of the year.

(g) The words "keep refrigerated" or words of similar meaning.

Words and numerals used to designate the grade and size shall be in clearly legible bold-faced type at least three-eighths (3/8) inch in height.

Any person intending to reuse a carton shall obscure any inappropriate labeling thereon and relabel the carton in accordance with this section prior to refilling the carton with eggs.

SECTION 2. Section 69-7-329, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

69-7-329. Any person engaged in the marketing, business, cooperative, partnership, corporation or the like, processing, transporting, storing, displaying for sale or selling of eggs * * * shall, in addition to maintaining all such egg handling facilities in a manner commensurate with laws governing food establishments, keep the eggs at an ambient temperature no greater than forty-five (45) degrees Fahrenheit * * *.

SECTION 3. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2000.