'Grade A' Stamp on Eggs Isn't What It Seems

The Wall Street Journal writes 'Grade A' Stamp on Eggs Isn't What It Seems. "The mark on the carton just means that the U.S. Department of Agriculture had a 'grader' at an egg-packing facility who checked the eggs' size and color and made sure the shells weren't cracked, a USDA official said. Consumers 'misunderstand' the shield, he said."

"So what's the point of stamping egg cartons as Grade A? The USDA has two different missions. It does regulate some food safety, especially with meat, but it's also responsible for promoting American food here and abroad. The egg shield comes from the USDA's marketing side."

This is just moronic. And see, regulation can be good...

"Until new egg-safety rules went into effect in July, the FDA could inspect farms but had little enforcement authority. As a result, FDA officials say, they rarely inspected egg farms except "for cause." After the extra enforcement powers kicked in, and just beofre the salmonella scare made national news, FDA inspectors made it to Wright County Egg and found mice, wild birds, flies and overflowing manure at some of its facilities. The agency said it now plans to inspect all 600 major egg makers nationwide to ensure that shoppers can be confident eggs on the shelves are safe. The FDA hasn't said whether it will ask for a shield of its own."