Consumer Information | Hertzfeld Poultry

Ohio is one of the largest egg farming states in the nation.
Ohio has 32 million laying chickens.
All large egg operations in Ohio are regulated by the Ohio Department of Agriculture.
Ohio produces more than 9.5 billion eggs per year.
Ohio egg production is responsible for creating 12,834 jobs and $443 million in annual earnings.
Ohio is one of 10 states that has an "egg quality assurance program" which is voluntary and intended to minimize the risk of Salmonella Enteritidis in eggs.
Ohio egg farmers participate in the United Egg Producers Certified (OEQAP) animal care program which places top priority on the comfort, health and safety of the chickens.
Each year 60% of eggs produced are used by consumers, 9% by the food service industry and the remaining 31% are used by food manufacturers.
According to USDA-ARS research released in 2011 eggs are lower in cholesterol than previously thought.
The average amount of cholesterol in one large egg is 185 mg, 14% lower than previously recorded.

An egg poses no greater food safety risk than any other perishable food and, in fact, are one of the most nutritious, economical, and versatile foods in the kitchen.
Hertzfeld Poultry Farms, Inc. follows the OEQAP which sets standards for production, processing and transportation of eggs. Ohio is one of only 10 states with this type of program.
In July 2010, Ohio egg farmers, including Hertzfeld Poultry Farms, Inc., began following the federal Egg Safety Rule, created by USDA, which adds another layer of consumer protection against Salmonella.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, Salmonella Enteritidis outbreaks have been reduced 48% since 1995.
Hertzfeld Poultry Farms, Inc. has a USDA grader onsite. USDA graders look for certain qualities in an egg before they will label packaging with the USDA shield.
The regulations that egg farmers must adhere to in the state of Ohio are among the most in-depth and strongest in the nation.

Since the Avian Influenza outbreak in 2015, egg farmers have implemented strict bio-security protocols.
Maintaining disease-free, bio-secure barns is vital to providing safe, high-quality eggs.
Protecting laying hens from major sources of disease carried by migrating birds is paramount to our business. For this reason, modern cage housing is preferred.
Poultry veterinarians monitor our flocks on a regular basis.
Access to barns is limited to essential personnel only.
Employees are prohibited from handling birds outside of the work premises.
Fencing, security cameras and strictly limiting visitor access ensures no unauthorized person enter the facility.
Disinfecting vehicles when the enter the facility, special signage and wearing designated clothing are common practices.

How long can I keep eggs in the refrigerator? At least four weeks from date of purchase.
How long can I keep hard-boiled eggs? Refrigerate hard-cooked eggs in the shell for use within one week. Eggs which have been refrigerated for up to 10 days before boiling will peel more easily.
How do I keep an egg fresh? Buy as many eggs as you will use in a three week period from refrigerated cases only and refrigerate at home promptly.
What are the chances of a Salmonella infected egg? You could consume 260 eggs per year and only encounter a contaminated egg one every 77 years.
What is the best way to store eggs? In the their carton.
Is it safe to eat raw eggs? There is no health risk if eggs are handled and prepared correctly.

15799 Milton Road
Grand Rapids, OH 43522