People who sell eggs from a small flock have a chance to weigh in on Washington’s proposed inspection changes, with a public hearing scheduled for Nov. 10.
The Washington State Department of Agriculture says the update would make requirements more practical for small operations while preserving basic food-safety standards. The changes are still proposals.
What would change
Under proposed WAC 16-104-420(2), producers and packers with 3,000 or fewer laying hens would be exempt from mandatory quarterly inspections. WSDA could still inspect for compliance. Sellers using farmers markets or stores would still need an egg handler/dealer endorsement.
A separate exemption covers certain direct sales to household consumers. Its scope needs care: the notice’s summary describes a 3,000-hen limit, while the direct-sales provision in the proposed rule text contains no flock-size cap.
Applicable food-safety requirements would remain, along with inspections responding to illness outbreaks, consumer complaints or public-health emergencies. Producers can read the details in the formal proposal.
Why WSDA is proposing it
The agency says its existing rules were designed around larger businesses. It also says reducing routine inspection visits could help limit the spread of animal diseases, including bird flu, and allow staff to focus on higher-risk food operations.
How to comment
Send written comments to wsdarulescomments@agr.wa.gov.
A note about the deadline: The formal notice and WSDA’s webpage overview list Nov. 3. Another section lists Nov. 10 at 5 p.m. Because those dates conflict, Justabouts recommends submitting comments by Nov. 3.
The online hearing is scheduled for Nov. 10 at 1 p.m. Microsoft Teams access details are on WSDA’s rulemaking page.
