Kimberly Owens | Oppose HB1186

I strongly oppose HB1186 and recommend "inexpedient to legislate" or significant amendments.This bill piles on new rules—refrigeration for all eggs (including unwashed nest run), mandatory producer contact on packages, USDA ties for grading—yet there's zero evidence of problems in New Hampshire. No salmonella outbreaks, no consumer complaints, no crises from local or backyard egg sales. Unwashed eggs have been safely eaten for thousands of years thanks to the natural cuticle barrier. Why fix what isn't broken? Small homesteaders and family farms shouldn't face extra costs (coolers, labels, fines up to $5,000) for no real gain. Federal rules already exempt flocks under 3,000 hens—NH should too. Shoppers wanting washed, graded, refrigerated eggs have plenty at grocery stores. Let locals keep the traditional, unprocessed choice. This feels like needless control, not safety. "Live Free or Die" applies to backyard eggs. Please kill the bill or amend to exempt small producers and direct/unwashed sales.