Safety labeling proposed for eggs

Several SE outbreaks have been traced to undercooked eggs or foods containing undercooked eggs. The proposed statement reads: "SAFE HANDLING INSTRUCTIONS: Eggs may contain harmful bacteria known to cause serious illness, especially in children, the elderly and persons with weakened immune systems. For your protection: keep eggs refrigerated, cook eggs until yolks are firm, and cook foods containing eggs thoroughly." Comments are being accepted until mid-September. Separately, as of Aug. 27th, 1999, egg cartons must also carry a statement that eggs must be kept refrigerated at a minimum of 45°F while being processed and shipped to consumers. That requirement was first proposed in May 1998.