Egg Regulatory Program Standards (ERPS)
- What are the Egg Regulatory Program Standards (ERPS)?
- Which states have a regulatory agency(s) currently enrolled in the ERPS?
- Where can I find a copy of the ERPS?
- Is funding available to assist states in implementing the ERPS?
- What other resources are available to help state program implement ERPS?
- Who do I contact for more information about ERPS?
- Egg Regulatory Program Standards CAP/Contact Program Fact Sheet (Version October 2021)
What are the Egg Regulatory Program Standards (ERPS)?
In 2016, FDA awarded a cooperative agreement to two state programs whose charge was to provide recommendations for national Egg Regulatory Program Standards (ERPS). In 2019 a committee comprised of officials from FDA, state agencies, industry and the National Egg Regulatory Officials (NERO) was established to review the recommendations of the awardees. The result of the committee’s collaborative work is the development of the first edition of the ERPS, which will strengthen states’ egg regulatory programs. These program standards reflect an effort in which FDA has been engaged to partner, leverage and empower agencies to move the vision of a nationally Integrated Food Safety System (IFSS).
The ERPS is a critical component in establishing FDA’s IFSS. The ERPS, henceforth also referred to as “program standards,” establishes a uniform foundation for regulatory agencies responsible for oversight of eggs and egg products. When fully implemented, the program standards define a set of best practices of a regulatory system.
Conformance with the program standards requires a regulatory agency to continuously assess, evaluate, and take necessary corrective actions to address gaps. ERPS conformance will facilitate a system of mutual reliance between the FDA and other regulatory agencies and support continuous improvements in regulatory oversight of eggs and egg products throughout the nation. The program standards are comprised of ten standards that establish requirements for the critical elements of a regulatory program designed to protect the public from egg and egg product-related illness, injury, outbreaks and emergencies.
The ERPS areas of focus include:
- Standard 1 - Regulatory Foundation
- Standard 2 - Training Program
- Standard 3 - Inspection Program
- Standard 4 - Inspection Audit Program
- Standard 5 - Egg-related Illness, Outbreak and Emergency Response
- Standard 6 - Compliance and Enforcement Program
- Standard 7 - Outreach Activities
- Standard 8 - Program Resources
- Standard 9 - Program Assessment
- Standard 10 - Laboratory Support
Which states have a regulatory agency(s) currently enrolled in the ERPS?
Two flagship state programs are the first to enroll in the ERPS, California and Iowa.
Where can I find a copy of the ERPS?
Download the latest copy of the ERPS by clicking here. You will need to have a PDF viewer installed on your computer or mobile device.
Is funding available to assist states in implementing the ERPS?
States with current egg inspection contracts may enroll in the ERPS contract elective. States will receive $10,000 for completing the contract deliverables.
In addition, the FDA anticipates posting a funding opportunity announcement for a cooperative agreement in FY 2022, pending the availability of funds. More details on the potential new funding mechanism will be available in early 2022.
What other resources are available to help state programs implement ERPS?
The Office of Partnerships Division of Standards Implementation (OP DSI) is responsible for conducting education and outreach to state programs on the ERPS. Additional resources are included in the ERPS.
State programs also have free access to FoodSHIELD, a web-based communication platform that is supported by FDA to facilitate training, meetings and collaboration among federal, state, and local regulatory agencies and laboratories.
Who do I contact for more information about ERPS?
Specific questions on this program can be directed to the appropriate Office of Partnerships’ contact within DSI. Please visit the Office of Partnerships Contacts webpage to obtain a downloaded version of the staffing roster.
For information about program standards, please visit the Regulatory Program Standards webpage.
General questions can be directed to OP.Feedback@fda.hhs.gov.