(SPARKS, Nev.) – The Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) State Quarantine Officer Director J.J. Goicoechea, DVM, has temporarily suspended Nevada’s cage-free egg law. Beginning Feb. 20, 2025, eggs for retail sale can be sourced from any egg producer meeting food-safety guidelines, regardless of whether the eggs originated from hens in a cage-free housing system. This order was issued to address the strain on egg supplies and high egg prices in Nevada.
“Eggs are typically the most cost-effective protein source for food insecure populations,” said NDA Director Goicoechea. “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.”
In 2021, Nevada passed cage-free egg regulations requiring all eggs sold in Nevada to be sourced from cage-free hens. “Cage-free” is defined as eggs from hens in an enclosure in which they are unrestricted and free to roam, with a total space of at least one square foot per hen in the enclosure. As Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) continues to impact the poultry industry, particularly cage-free egg producers, the supply of cage-free eggs has been significantly reduced.
During the current 83rd Legislative Session, Assembly Bill 171 was passed and signed allowing for the temporary suspension of cage-free regulations for up to 120 days in emergencies. Director Goicoechea issued the order, beginning the 120 day period, on Feb. 20, 2025. This order also allows for the sale of “Grade B” quality standard eggs. These eggs must meet all of the food safety requirements of “Grade A” eggs, but may have different colors, shapes and sizes.
“This egg shortage didn’t happen overnight, and we cannot resolve it overnight,” said Director Goicoechea. “We anticipate roughly 30 days before we can secure new contracts and start to see increased egg supplies on the shelf, and hopefully lower prices as availability increases.”
ORDER 02182025-A
To: From: Date: Subject:
Nevada Consumers, Retailers, Restaurants, Resorts Dr. J.J. Goicoechea, DVM
February 20th, 2025
Cage Free Egg Law Suspension
Whereas the State Quarantine Officer, under authority of NRS 554.160, must exercise all necessary authority required for the proper and efficient enforcement of a quarantine and whereas AB 171 was passed by the Nevada Legislature on February 12, 2025 and signed into law by Governor Lombardo on February 13, 2025, it is hereby ordered, that certain provisions ofNRS 583.110 to 583.251 are temporarily suspended for 120 consecutive days, initiating on the date of this order of February 20th, 2025.
This Order allows for a business owner or operator or consumer to source shell eggs and egg products that have originated from any farm (as defmed in NRS 583.217), including those with or without cage-free housing systems, and systems defined with NRS 583.237.
“Fresh eggs,” “ranch eggs” and “farm eggs” need only meet the minimum quality grade B standards in NAC 583.141 to be offered for sale for up to 120 days from the date of this order, or until the order is rescinded with 14 days’ notice, which may occur earlier than 120 days.
Furthermore, requirements under NRS 583.245 which reads, Business owners and operators: Prohibition on engaging in certain acts; requirement to obtain, retain and provide copies of certain certificates; reliance in good faith is defense, are waived for 120 days from the date of this order or until the order is rescinded. This Order also authorizes a Nevada farm owner or operator of a small egg flock as defined in NRS 583.235, to produce, sell or transport eggs and egg products to a farmers’ market or coop in Nevada with a valid producer certificate (NRS 576.128). Furthermore, the requirement to obtain an endorsement from the Nevada Department of Agriculture pursuant to NRS 583.239 is waived for 120 days from the date of this order or until the order is rescinded.
No provisions under NRS 583.140 and 583.150 inclusive are waived under this order and all other existing safety standards remain in full effect.