SB338

Senate Bill 338 amends the Arkansas Egg Marketing Act of 1969 regarding the criteria for retail exemptions. The primary change increases the maximum number of hens a producer can own while remaining exempt from certain regulatory requirements when selling eggs directly to retailers. Previously, retailers were permitted to sell eggs from producers with fewer than 200 hens; this bill increases that threshold to 700 hens. To qualify for this exemption, the eggs must still meet safety and labeling standards, including being washed and clean, prepackaged as ungraded with producer identification, using cleared cartons, and being maintained at 45 degrees Fahrenheit or below.