MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2001 Regular Session

To: Agriculture

By: Representative Stevens

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 69-7-327, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REQUIRE THAT EGG CONTAINERS SHALL BEAR THE WORDS "USE BY DATE" FOLLOWED BY THE APPROPRIATE DATE APPLIED LEGIBLY TO THE CONTAINERS; TO PROVIDE THAT THE WORDS "SELL BY" OR "EXPIRATION DATE" SHALL NOT BE APPLIED TO THE CONTAINER; 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.

(h) The words "use by date" followed by the appropriate date applied legibly to the container. The words "sell by" or "expiration date" shall not be applied to the container.

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. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2001.