The Nevada Department of Agriculture has issued a temporary suspension of the state’s cage-free egg law. The decision, effective from February 20, 2025, allows eggs for retail sale to be sourced from any producer meeting food safety guidelines, irrespective of the housing system used for hens. This measure aims to address the current strain on egg supplies and rising prices in Nevada.
NDA State Quarantine Officer Director J.J. Goicoechea explained the rationale behind this move: “Eggs are typically the most cost-effective protein source for food insecure populations,” he said. “When families can’t find eggs on the shelf, and when they do the prices are not attainable, this can leave them without an essential food they depend on.”
Nevada’s cage-free egg regulations were established in 2021, mandating that all eggs sold within the state come from cage-free hens. These regulations define “cage-free” as conditions where hens have at least one square foot per hen and are free to roam within their enclosure. However, due to ongoing impacts from Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) affecting particularly cage-free producers, there has been a significant reduction in supply.
Assembly Bill 171 was passed during the current legislative session allowing such temporary suspensions for up to 120 days during emergencies. Director Goicoechea initiated this period starting February 20, 2025. The order also permits the sale of “Grade B” quality standard eggs which meet all food safety requirements of “Grade A” eggs but may vary in color, shape, and size.
