FORTY-SECOND ANNUAL CONVENTION Z^iZ 



without rehandling, will not be held responsible for the condi- 

 tion of the eggs. 



3. It is conceded that in all cases of eggs of whatever grade 

 as received in the larger Qgg centers there is likelihood of the 

 presence of a certain number of eggs unfit for food. In enforc- 

 ing the food law as applied to eggs, the State Food Department 

 will take cognizance of this fact, as also of weather and of trans- 

 portation conditions. However, the State Food Department does 

 not approve of the present practice of dealing in ''current re- 

 ceipts," by which term is understood a miscellaneous collection 

 of eggs, good and bad, as received from the farmer and forward- 

 ed without previous inspection. At certain times of the year cur- 

 rent receipts may contain but few bad eggs, while at other sea- 

 sons the proportion of inedible eggs will be excessive. We there- 

 fore ask your co-operation, in informing the country merchants 

 and egg dealers of their responsibility under the law, and that 

 they candle all eggs at such seasons of the year when weather 

 and other conditions make it likely that the eggs received from 

 the farmers will consist in whole or in part of eggs of the pro- 

 hibited classes. We also urge upon egg associations or butter 

 and egg boards that they discourage the quotation for "current 

 receipts," since it is the experience of the State Food Department 

 that its work in raising the quality of eggs is hampered when a 

 market is offered for uninspected eggs. It is not expected that 

 the country merchant can grade eggs for the various egg centers, 

 but it is possible for him to remove eggs of the prohibited 

 classes. 



4. Whenever a lot of eggs in Illinois is placed under seiz- 

 ure by the State Food Department there will be no intention of 

 holding up the good eggs in the shipment. It will be the aim 

 to have these eggs candled as soon as possible by some recogniz- 

 ed expert, the good eggs resulting therefrom being released to 

 the owner. A record will be made of the proportion of bad eggs, 

 for evidence of violation of the law. Receivers need have no 

 concern that consignments will be seized as long as the ''dead 

 loss" is within the limits now recognized by the National Poul- 

 try, Butter and Egg Association for the indicated candled grade ; 



