The Nevada Department of Agriculture has temporarily suspended Nevada’s cage-free egg law in a move set to take effect on Friday, February 20.
The order was issued to address the strain on egg supplies and high egg prices in Nevada according to a release from the Nevada Department of Agriculture.
“Eggs are typically the most cost-effective protein source for food insecure populations,” said NDA State Quarantine Officer Director J.J. Goicoechea. “When families can’t find eggs on the shelf, and when they do the prices are not attainable, this can leave them without an essential food they depend on.”
In 2021 Nevada passed cage-free egg regulations requiring all eggs sold in Nevada to be sourced from cage-free hens.
“Cage-free” is defined as eggs from hens in an enclosure in which they are unrestricted and free to roam, with a total space of at least one square foot per hen in the enclosure.
As bird flu continues to impact the poultry industry, particularly cage-free egg producers, the supply of cage-free eggs has been significantly reduced.
During the 83rd Nevada legislative session, a bill was passed and signed allowing for the temporary suspension of cage-free regulations for up to 120 days in emergencies. Director Goicoechea issued the order, beginning the 120-day period.
The order also allows for the sale of grade B quality eggs.
These eggs must meet all of the food safety requirements of grade A eggs but may have different colors, shapes, and sizes.
