The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CADF) has updated proposed regulations issued in terms of the Farm Animal Confinement Initiative (Proposition #12).  Comments on the proposed changes are due by December 17th.  Items relating to egg production include:

• A sale will be deemed to have occurred when the purchaser takes physical possession of eggs
• Sales made directly to federal agencies or on tribal lands are not subject to Proposition #12
• It will not be necessary to include a Proposition #12 statement on individual cartons of shell eggs
• Shipping documents must be marked "only for use at a specific establishment" when consigning shell eggs for further processing at a facility under USDA AMS inspection
• The interim requirement that egg-laying hens be provided with a minimum of 144 square inches of usable floor space is eliminated
• The effective date for registration of distributors will take effect on January 1, 2023
• Producers will be able to self-certify compliance with Proposition #12 requirements through the end of 2023. Thereafter third party certification will be required:

• Enforcement will be effected by designated officers of the CDFA