U.S. Eggs F rom the time the egg is laid to the time the egg reaches your consumer, a very high standard of quality is maintained. When eggs enter the processing facility, they are immediately placed on a conveyer belt for washing. Each egg is washed thoroughly with adequate amounts of detergent-sanitizer, and then rinsed. Dirt is removed without damaging the shells or altering the quality. After washing, eggs are also sanitized, graded, and packed. After the eggs are candled, which is the process of using light to help determine the quality of an egg, they are immediately moved to cooling facilities and ready for distribution. For retail sales, U.S. eggs are packaged for display and sale in cartons that each contain 12 eggs. Shell and yolk color may vary. However, these variations have no effect on the quality, nutrition or cooking characteristics. The yolk color is influenced by the hen’s diet. Basic U.S. hen egg layer diets are formulated by using the highest quality yellow corn, soybean meal, alfalfa meal and vitamins. Hens fed these diets lay eggs with medium-yellow yolks. Color of the shell is also not a measure of quality since color can vary with the breed of hens and the diet they are fed. Pigment in the outer layer of the shell will range from white to deep brown. Breeds with white feathers and white ear lobes lay white eggs. Breeds with red feathers and red ear lobes produce brown eggs. Eggs are marketed based on grade, size and quality standards that are set and monitored by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Egg Nutrition

Eggs 101 – Egg Nutrition Basics Eggs are an all-natural source of high-quality protein and a number of other nutrients, all for 70 calories per large egg. Cost-effective and versatile, the unique nutritional composition of eggs can help meet a variety of nutrient needs of children through older adults. Plus, eggs can play a role in weight management, muscle strength, healthy pregnancy, brain function, eye health and more. Take a look at some quick egg nutrition facts. Cardiometabolic Health Egg Allergies Eggs Across The Lifespan Nutrients In Eggs Nutritious Dietary Patterns Physical Performance Weight Management & Satiety Frequently Asked Questions

Control Appetite to Control Weight If there’s one concern that has been associated with women throughout history, it surely must be weight control. Unlike the hunter, women have been the gathers of society, concerned with preparing the food for the family. Whereas men historically performed hard labor in securing food, women have had lives that required less physical exertion. Accompanying this role, a women’s weight was controlled by hormones that were programmed to provide nourishment for suckling infants as well as stored energy to protect them from starvation when the hunter returned unsuccessful. How does the modern woman meet this goal when food is plentiful and time is short? By using the same strategies that have brought us into this technological age, today’s woman can be successful in controlling her weight. The goal is to follow a plan that includes a routine intake of nutrient dense foods consumed throughout the day which is balanced with activities to provide an outlet for her energy intake. Starting the day with a nutrient dense breakfast has been shown to help children focus and perform better in school. Similarly, studies have found breakfast is important for adult cognition and memory as well. Other studies have shown that eating a nutrient dense breakfast helps to reduce snacking on less nutritious and more calorie laden foods throughout the day. Eggs, when eaten at the start of the day, provide a satisfying meal that can keep the stomach from emptying too quickly thereby providing a long period of satiety. At 75 calories per large egg, eggs actually contribute few calories for all the nutrients that they provide. When teamed up with whole grains and vegetables they are a complete meal that is easily prepared, widely available and inexpensive making them a useful tool when planning a “women’s weight control” program.

Packaging U.S. eggs are primarily packaged on plastics or fiber trays that hold 30 eggs. Filled trays are then packed into cases that hold 360 eggs (30 dozen), a capacity that is universal throughout the industry and is used to transport and store shell eggs. Eggs are shipped by refrigerated trucks or in refrigerated containers aboard ocean-going vessels. Capacities of refrigerated container are as follows: 20-foot = 300 cases 40-foot = 750-800 cases 40-foot high cube = 850-900 cases A typical retail package or small pack, as it is known overseas, is formed from pulp or foam to hold 12 shell eggs. There are other packs available in the U.S. market that can hold 6, 8 or 18 eggs. The carton controls breakage and prevents the loss of moisture and carbon dioxide. According to the mandatory federal labeling requirements, each carton must include the name and address of the packer or distributor, the net contents, identity of the product, nutritional labeling, and safe handling instructions. Each egg carton with the USDA grade shield must also display the pack date, which is the day that the eggs are washed, graded, and placed in the carton. The pack date, also known as the Julian date, is a three-digit code that represents the consecutive day of the year starting with January 1 as 001 and ending with December 31 as 365.

Sodium Reduction Egg products are naturally low in sodium and possess multifunctional components for foaming, binding and emulsifying, and other functions. Clean labels are dependent upon the ingredients. Egg products offer a clean label option and can help maintain product integrity and stability in a reduced sodium formulation. Egg products are capable of binding other ingredients, providing structure and stability and assisting with moisture migration while not conflicting with flavors of other ingredients. In fact, eggs have functional properties that do the job of many additives, yet naturally. Today's consumers, better educated and more label savvy, are avoiding additives and seeking more natural food alternatives. Custom blended egg products that include carbohydrates, gum, starches, sugar, and low levels of salt are available to meet manufacturers' specifications and improve functional performance. Egg products make so many food formulations great or better. The functional profile egg products provide is worth investigating to mine the possibilities for all the value they can provide to sodium reduced and other formulations. For information about health and nutrition topics, visit the Egg Nutrition Center at www.enc-online.org

Converting Shell Eggs to Egg Products? Thinking about converting from shell eggs to liquid or dried eggs? Converting from shell eggs to liquid or dried eggs in your formulas is really quite easy and won’t affect your bowl cost. It’s simply a weight for weight substitution. Other conversion benefits: Saves time, labor and waste Reduces cold storage space needed Increases shelf life – simplifies inventory tracking Streamlines ingredient preparation Provides batch-to-batch consistency Improves long-term product quality Watch as the baking experts at AIB International show you just how easy it is to adjust your formula to use liquid or dried eggs. Refer one of the worksheets to get started. Converting from Shell Eggs to Liquid Eggs Downloadable SHELL eggs to LIQUID eggs worksheets SHELL WHOLE EGGS TO LIQUID WHOLE EGGS SHELL EGG WHITES TO LIQUID EGG WHITES SHELL EGG YOLKS TO LIQUID EGG YOLKS Converting from Liquid Eggs to Dried Eggs Downloadable LIQUID eggs to DRIED eggs worksheets LIQUID WHOLE EGGS TO DRIED WHOLE EGGS LIQUID EGG WHITES TO DRY EGG WHITES LIQUID EGG YOLKS TO DRIED EGG YOLKS

Egg Storage and Handling Q: Can I freeze raw eggs? A: Freezing is an option if you have more eggs on hand then you can use. Remove eggs from their shells, beat until just blended, and place in a sealed container. Eggs can be frozen for up to one year. To use frozen eggs, properly thaw them in the refrigerator or under running cold water. Never thaw eggs on the counter as this may promote the growth of harmful bacteria! Once thawed cook eggs thoroughly. Q: Why should eggs be refrigerated? A: In the United States, it’s more than a food safety recommendation that eggs be refrigerated – it’s the law. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) determined that the best way to fight salmonella contamination is by making sure eggs are clean before they reach consumers. So, on commercial egg farms (those that have 3,000 hens or more) it is required that eggs are thoroughly washed and immediately refrigerated before they leave the farm. The washing process removes any contaminants, such as manure, with which the eggs may have come in contact. Once eggs have been refrigerated, it is critical they remain that way. A cool egg at room temperature can sweat, facilitating the growth of bacteria that could enter the egg through its porous shell. Refrigerated eggs should not be left out more than two hours. Q: Is it safe to keep used egg shells in the carton? A: No, you should never put egg shells back in the carton after cracking them if there are still intact eggs left in the carton. Bacteria has the potential to be on the outside, as well as the inside of an egg, and mixing cracked eggs with intact eggs greatly increases the risk of bacteria transfer by hands, utensils, air, etc. We would also recommend never reusing egg cartons as they can be a reservoir for bacteria. Throw away egg cartons as soon as the eggs are all used. Q: Is it safe to reuse egg cartons? A: USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is clear on the subject, saying items such as foam meat trays, convenience food dishes and egg cartons should be considered one-time-use packaging. Commercial egg farmers who follow the FDA’s Egg Safety Rule wash and sanitize eggs before packing them in clean, new cartons, eliminating bacteria that may have been present on the shell. But bacteria could creep back into the picture as eggs are handled at stores and in homes. It’s a good idea to discard used egg cartons and not reuse them. Recycle them, if you can. Egg shells should never be put back in the carton after cracking them if there are still intact eggs left in the carton. Bacteria has the potential to be on the outside, as well as the inside of an egg, and mixing cracked eggs with intact eggs greatly increases the risk of bacteria transfer by hands, utensils, air, etc. Q: What safe handling instructions are on egg cartons? A: FDA requires all cartons of raw, shell eggs not treated to destroy Salmonella carry the following statement: SAFE HANDLING INSTRUCTIONS: To prevent illness from bacteria: Keep eggs refrigerated, cook eggs until yolks are firm, and cook foods containing eggs thoroughly. Q: What is grading of eggs, and is it mandatory? A: Grading is an indication of quality and is voluntary, while inspection (for wholesomeness and safety) is mandatory. Companies that choose to have their eggs graded pay for this service from U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The USDA grade shield on the carton means the eggs were graded for quality and checked for weight (size) under the supervision of a trained USDA grader. Compliance with quality standards, grades, and weights is monitored by USDA. State agencies monitor egg packers who do not use the USDA grading service, and those cartons will bear a term such as “Grade A” without the USDA shield. Q: How are eggs transported safely to stores? A: Vehicles transporting food must be dedicated to only transport food, per federal law, which requires: Shell eggs packed for consumers be stored and transported under refrigeration at an ambient (surrounding) air temperature not to exceed 45° F; All packed shell eggs be labeled with a statement that refrigeration is required; and Any shell eggs imported into the United States and packed for consumer use are to include a certification that they have been stored and transported at an ambient temperature of no greater than 45° F. Q: Should you wash eggs after purchasing in a grocery store? A: No, it’s not necessary or recommended to wash eggs that have a USDA grade shield or mark on the carton. In fact, washing these eggs may actually increase the risk of contamination because the wash water can be “sucked” into the egg through the pores in the shell. When the chicken lays the egg, a protective coating is put on the outside by the hen. At the egg processing plant, government regulations require that USDA-graded eggs be carefully washed and sanitized before being packed. Q: What points should you consider when buying eggs? A: When purchasing commercially-produced eggs (those coming from farms with 3,000 or more hens): Always purchase eggs from a refrigerated case. Choose eggs with clean, uncracked shells. Don’t buy out-of-date eggs. Look for the USDA grade shield or mark. Graded eggs must meet standards for quality and size. Choose the size most useful and economical for your lifestyle. When purchasing egg products or substitutes, look for containers that are tightly sealed and unopened. Click here to learn what different labels, like UEP Certified or cage-free, indicate. Q: What’s the best way to store eggs? A: The best way to store eggs is to keep them in their carton, so you can check the Julian date (the date the eggs were packed) or expiration date. The carton should be placed in the coldest part of the refrigerator at 45 °F or lower – not in the door, where temperatures may fluctuate when it is opened and closed. Refrigerated eggs should not be left out more than two hours. Q: I just realized I left the egg carton on the kitchen counter overnight. Are the eggs safe to use? A: No, after eggs are refrigerated, it is important they stay that way. Maintaining a consistent, cool temperature is critical to safety. A cold egg left out at room temperature can sweat, facilitating bacteria growth. Refrigerated eggs should not be left out more than two hours before re-refrigeration.

Registered Dietitian/Nutrition Today’s retail environment is full of nutrition labels, claims, profiling systems and much more. Helping consumers navigate their way through grocery aisles is an important job, and according to the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, many Americans are overweight and undernourished. They get too many calories but not enough nutrients each day. The Guidelines further state that the prevalence of obesity in the United States has doubled and in some cases tripled between the 1970s and 2008. What's in an egg? The Yolk: A Nutrient Goldmine

Egg Nutrients Eggs are incredible when it comes to nutrition. Eggs are all-natural, and one egg has lots of vitamins and minerals—all for 70 calories. The nutrients in eggs can play a role in weight management, muscle strength, healthy pregnancy, brain function, eye health and more. At less than 15 cents apiece, eggs are an affordable and delicious breakfast option. The protein in eggs is the highest-quality protein found in any food. The high-quality protein in eggs provides the energy families need to perform their best on important days. Nutrient-rich, all-natural eggs are a welcome addition to any diet. The nutrient package of eggs aids in the following: Weight management: The high-quality protein in eggs helps you to feel fuller longer and stay energized, which contributes to maintaining a healthy weight. (1) Muscle strength and muscle-loss prevention: Research indicates that high-quality protein may help active adults build muscle strength and help prevent muscle loss in middle-aged and aging adults. (2) Healthy pregnancy: Egg yolks are an excellent source of choline, an essential nutrient that contributes to fetal brain development and helps prevent birth defects. Two eggs provide about 250 milligrams of choline, or roughly half of the recommended daily intake for pregnant and breastfeeding women. (3) Brain function: Choline also aids the brain function of adults by maintaining the structure of brain cell membranes, and is a key component of the neuro-transmitter that helps relay messages from the brain through nerves to the muscles. (4) Eye health: Lutein and zeaxanthin, two antioxidants found in egg yolks, help prevent macular degeneration, a leading cause of age-related blindness. Though eggs contain a small amount of these two nutrients, research shows that the lutein from eggs may be more bioavailable than lutein from other food sources. (5) REFERENCES Weigle DS, et al. 2005. A high-protein diet induces sustained reductions in appetite, ad libitum caloric intake, and body weight despite compensatory changes in diurnal plasma leptin and ghrelin concentrations. Am J Clin Nutr. 82:41-48. Evans WJ. 2004. Protein Nutrition, Exercise and Aging. J Am Coll Nutr. 23(6)601S-609S. Zeisel SH. Choline: Critical role during fetal development and dietary requirements in adults. Annu Rev Nutr, 2006; 26:229-50. Moeller SM, et al. 2000. The Potential Role of Dietary Xanthophylls in Cataract and Age-Related Macular Degeneration. J Am Coll Nutr. 19(5):522S-527S. Chung HY, et al. Lutein bioavailability is higher from lutein-enriched eggs than from supplements and spinach in men. J Nutr. 2004; 134:1887-1893