1. The sampling requirements for unpasteurized and finished product laboratory analyses to be completed for each production lot for certification purposes are:
   1. Organic acid (3 OH-butyric acid and lactic acid) - To provide an adequate amount of product for these analyses, collect a separate sample of unpasteurized product. If the production run involves the processing of liquid unpasteurized egg which is representative of the shell egg broken, an 8-ounce sample is adequate. However, if different storage tanks represent different shell eggs broken or bulk liquid received, an 8-ounce composite from all storage tanks shall be submitted. Unpasteurized albumen intended for drying must be sampled prior to adding culture or adjustment of the pH with a food grade acid(s). The sample must be specifically identified with applicable information for analysis for organic acids. Freeze the sample for shipment. Complete a separate certificate, Form PY-200, to accompany the sample to the laboratory in a separate shipping container. If laboratory results show no detection of organic acids, the results will be recorded as negative. When results are positive, the laboratory will indicate the type and amount of organic acid present.
      
      To be eligible for certification the amount of each organic acid cannot exceed that listed below:
      
      Lactic acid - 1,000 mg/kg
      OH-butyric acid - 10 mg/kg
      
      Example of instruction to the laboratory technician:  Test for organic acids (3 OH-butyric acid and lactic acid.)
   2. Enterobacteriaceae - Identify in the instructions to the laboratory technician, five samples for individual analysis for enterobacteriaceae. Results for each sample will be reported on the certificate. A lot is not eligible for certification if any result for enterobacteriaceae is reported as more than 100 colony forming units per gram or ml or if more than 2 samples are greater than 10 colony forming units per gram or ml. Example of the instructions to the laboratory technician: Analyze (five samples) sample individually for enterobacteriaceae.
   3. Extraneous material (egg shell, egg membrane, and other particles) - Collect and identify a separate sample of finished product for analysis for extraneous material. Submit an 8-ounce sample for both pasteurized liquid/frozen or dried product. To be eligible for certification, results cannot exceed 100 mg/kg in finished product. Example of the instructions to the laboratory technician:  Analyze for extraneous material.
   
   To prevent confusion at the laboratory, it is essential that all samples be legibly identified (sample number, code date, name of plant, and the type of analysis to be performed - e.g., microbiological, organic acids, extraneous material). Additionally, the instructions to the laboratory technician must be specific to assure that the necessary analyses are completed.
   
   All samples for this certification must be sent to:
   
   USDA, AMS, Science and Technology
   Eastern Laboratory
   2311-B Aberdeen Boulevard
   Gastonia, North Carolina 28054
   Telephone (704) 867-3873

Upon receipt of results of laboratory analyses, determine that the lot of product tested is eligible (does not exceed the criteria stated above) for certification.  Each shipment consigned to a destination within the European Union must be accompanied by FSIS Form PY-200, Egg Products Inspection and Grading Certificate, and an FSIS letterhead certificate. 

Revised letterhead certification is required for product entering the EU on or after July 15, 2009. Veterinary Certificate for egg products consigned to the European Community is available in English, Bulgarian, French, German, Lithuanian, Romanian, Greek, Italian, Netherlands, Polish,and Spanish.*

The English letterhead certificate should be issued for all shipments and certificates in other languages may be issued upon request of the exporter.

Apply an export stamp (as shown in 9 CFR 381.104) to each page of the letterhead certificate in a color other than black. The export stamp will show the corresponding PY-200 certificate number. Form PY-200 will continue to be obtained through normal channels and used by egg product inspectors as they have been used in the past.

See guidelines to complete the letterhead certificate.

Expenses

The additional time required for collection of samples and preparation of the certificates shall be charged to the plant at the applicable fee rate as stated in the Regulations Governing the Voluntary Inspection of Egg Products and Grading. Shipping materials, containers, and mailing expenses are the responsibility of the applicant.

Note: To obtain updated laboratory fee rates go to: http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_01/7cfr91_01.html


Plant Eligibility

All FSIS inspected egg products plants are eligible to export egg products to the EU.

EEU-5 (Jul 2, 2007)