Efforts of USDA egg graders called into question following recall

Alison Young of USA Today reports that food safety watchdogs are critical of the U.S Department of Agriculture staff on site at the two Iowa egg processors linked to the recent egg recall. They “question whether USDA egg graders should have noticed the vermin problems cited by the FDA, potentially preventing the recall of a half billion eggs and an outbreak that is linked to about 1,500 reported illnesses.” While the Food and Drug Administration “significant objectionable conditions” in laying houses, the USDA claims their egg graders only observe conditions in the processing buildings.