September 30, 2009
NPE launches first cage-free pasteurised shell egg
National Pasteurised Eggs (NPE) has announced it is now producing the industry's first cage-free pasteurised shell egg for the US market.
The award-winning pasteurised shell eggs are processed using a FDA-approved patented pasteurisation process recognised by the USDA to inactivate salmonella and bird flu virus, said NPE.
About 2.3 million eggs contaminated with salmonella were sold in 2008, according to FDA estimates.
Greg West, NPE president, said the pasteurised egg category is currently experiencing great growth as a rising number of foodservice operators look to reduce the risk of food poisoning and avoid large-scale salmonella illnesses or outbreaks.
USDA estimates that more than 22 billion pasteurised eggs are consumed annually, accounting for nearly one third of the egg industry's volume.
West added that NPE will begin offering cage-free, salmonella-free pasteurised eggs for home use in early October via grocers and specialty food retailers.
