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Hudson Valley Congressman Josh Riley has introduced a bipartisan bill, the Lowering Egg Prices Act, aimed at reducing the cost of eggs by eliminating certain federal regulations. The bill, co-sponsored by Representatives Dusty Johnson, Pat Harrigan, and Kristen McDonald Rivet, seeks to address the issue of nearly 400 million eggs being discarded annually due to current regulations.
The current regulations require farmers to refrigerate eggs immediately after they are laid. However, this rule does not differentiate between table eggs, which need refrigeration, and breaker eggs, which are pasteurized for use in products like salad dressing and cake mix. According to Congressman Riley, these regulations have led to unnecessary waste and higher costs for consumers.
Riley, who represents New York's 19th Congressional District, emphasized the impact of high grocery bills on families in Upstate New York. "Families across Upstate New York are struggling to make ends meet because the grocery bills are too high," he said. The bill aims to overturn the regulation, allowing breaker eggs to be processed and sold, thereby increasing supply and reducing prices.
The legislation has received support from both sides of the aisle. Congressman Harrigan criticized the existing FDA rule as government overreach, stating, "This bill stops the waste, lowers prices, and restores common sense." The bill also directs the FDA and USDA to create a new regulatory framework within 180 days.
The Lowering Egg Prices Act is part of a broader effort to address rising food costs, with the U.S. Department of Agriculture predicting a 41% increase in egg prices this year. Spectrum Local News reported that the average cost of a dozen Grade A eggs reached $5.90 in February, highlighting the urgency of the issue.