Responding to the national salmonella outbreak in eggs, state Agriculture Secretary Russell C. Redding on Saturday reassured consumers that Pennsylvania eggs certified under a voluntary program meet some of the nation's highest safety standards.

Producers who participate in the state's Egg Quality Assurance Program adhere to management and monitoring practices designed to reduce the risk of salmonella enteritidis contamination of eggs, Mr. Redding said.

The outbreak has prompted three recall announcements -- involving millions of eggs produced at farms in Iowa -- in the past two weeks.

Pennsylvania's Egg Quality Assurance Program requires such procedures as cleaning and disinfecting between flocks, environmental monitoring of production facilities and maintaining an acceptable biosecurity program. Eggs must be refrigerated throughout production and distribution.

Pennsylvania's program was the model upon which the federal Food and Drug Administration based its new preventive measures for eggs, Mr. Redding said. The new rules, published in July, require preventive measures during the production, storage and transportation of the nation's egg supply.

Shoppers should look for the "PA Preferred" logo of a gold checkmark in a blue keystone, Mr. Redding said. PA Preferred companies can be found at www.papreferred.com.

For more information about the Pennsylvania Egg Quality Assurance Program, visit www.agriculture.state.pa.us and search "PEQAP."

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