H. I. S. INTERNATIONAL MISSION
DEUTERONOMY 15:11 EGGS OUTREACH PROJECT
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE
Farm Fresh Egg Collection, Handling, Storage and Distribution
Effective Date
September 01, 2026
Approved By Frances Hinton
Review Date
____________________
1. Purpose
This Standard Operating Procedure establishes the minimum practices used by H. I. S. International Mission for collecting, evaluating, packing, storing, transporting and distributing farm fresh eggs through the Deuteronomy 15:11 Eggs Outreach Project. The purpose is to protect recipients, volunteers and the ministry through consistent food-safety practices and written records.
2. Scope
This procedure applies to every H. I. S. volunteer, worker, ministry representative and participating location that handles eggs intended for charitable distribution.
3. Program Responsibility
A designated Program Coordinator oversees egg handling, records, volunteer training and corrective actions.
Only trained or instructed volunteers should collect, pack, store, transport or distribute eggs for this program.
H. I. S. will follow applicable federal, Kentucky and local requirements. If a legal requirement is stricter than this procedure, the stricter requirement controls.
4. Eggs Accepted for Distribution
Use eggs from known, healthy laying flocks under the care of the ministry or an approved donor.
Inspect each egg before packing.
Do not distribute cracked, leaking, badly soiled, moldy or foul-smelling eggs.
Separate questionable eggs immediately from eggs intended for distribution.
Do not represent ungraded eggs as USDA graded or inspected.
5. Collection and Cleaning
Collect eggs frequently and place them in clean containers.
Keep nest boxes and collection containers as clean and dry as practical.
Remove light dry debris without damaging the shell when appropriate.
Do not soak eggs. Eggs intended for room-temperature storage and distribution should remain unwashed so the natural protective bloom stays intact. If an egg is washed, do not return it to the room-temperature distribution supply.
Wash hands with soap and water before and after handling eggs. Use clean equipment and work surfaces.
6. Room-Temperature Storage
Store clean, unwashed farm-fresh eggs at room temperature in a clean, dry area protected from direct sunlight, excessive heat, moisture and temperature swings.
Keep eggs intended for this program unwashed and at room temperature from collection through handoff. Do not alternate eggs between refrigerated and room-temperature storage.
Store eggs in clean cartons or food-safe containers and protect them from contamination, raw meat, chemicals, pests and strong odors.
Inspect the storage area routinely. Remove any cracked, leaking, badly soiled, moldy or foul-smelling eggs from distribution.
7. Packaging and Carton Label
Each carton distributed by H. I. S. should identify the eggs and give the recipient clear handling information. At minimum, include:
H. I. S. International Mission or program identification.
Farm Fresh Eggs.
Pack or collection date.
A batch or lot number.
STORE AT ROOM TEMPERATURE. UNWASHED FARM-FRESH EGGS.
Cook eggs thoroughly before consumption.
Do not use cracked or leaking eggs.
Not for resale, when appropriate for the program.
8. Batch Identification and Traceability
Assign each distribution batch a simple identifying number. Example: HIS-090226-A. The corresponding log should identify the date, source flock or donor, quantity, storage information, destination or distribution location and responsible volunteer.
9. Transportation
Transport eggs in clean, protected containers.
Transport eggs in a clean, dry, protected area away from direct sunlight and excessive heat.
Protect cartons from crushing, contamination and direct heat.
Keep eggs at room temperature upon arrival at the pantry or distribution site.
10. Distribution and Recipient Instructions
Distribute only cartons that pass the program inspection and labeling requirements.
Tell recipients the eggs were distributed unwashed and stored at room temperature. Advise them to keep the eggs clean, dry and protected from excessive heat.
Advise recipients to wash hands after handling raw eggs and to cook eggs thoroughly.
Advise recipients to discard cracked, leaking or foul-smelling eggs.
Do not make guarantees concerning health outcomes, shelf life or suitability for a particular person's medical or dietary needs.
11. Temperature Failure or Questionable Eggs
If eggs are exposed to excessive heat, moisture or contamination, or safe handling cannot be verified, place the affected eggs on hold. Do not distribute them until the Program Coordinator determines an appropriate disposition under applicable food-safety guidance. When safety cannot be established, discard the eggs.
12. Illness Complaint or Incident Response
Treat every report of illness, contamination or unsafe eggs seriously.
Record the recipient's report, date, batch number, distribution location and relevant handling information.
Stop distribution of the affected batch while the matter is reviewed.
Preserve related records and identify any remaining cartons from the same batch.
Contact the appropriate health authority, insurer or legal counsel when circumstances warrant.
Do not admit fault, speculate about the cause of illness or alter program records.
13. Recall or Withdrawal Procedure
If H. I. S. determines that a batch should not remain in distribution, immediately stop further distribution, identify locations that received the batch, isolate remaining cartons and document all actions taken. When recipient contact information is available and notification is appropriate, provide clear instructions to discard or return the affected eggs.
14. Volunteer Health and Sanitation
Volunteers who are ill with vomiting, diarrhea, fever or another condition likely to contaminate food should not handle eggs for distribution.
Keep hands, cartons, coolers, work surfaces and equipment clean.
Keep animals away from packing and distribution surfaces.
Do not eat, smoke or use tobacco while actively packing eggs.
15. Records
Maintain a basic Egg Distribution Log containing:
Batch or lot number
Collection or pack date
Source flock or donor
Number of dozen
Storage condition or temperature concern, when applicable
Distribution date and location
Name or initials of responsible volunteer
Any rejected eggs, temperature problems, complaints or corrective actions
16. Legal and Risk Management
This procedure is an internal risk-management and food-safety document. It does not replace applicable law, health-department requirements, insurance conditions or legal advice. H. I. S. should maintain appropriate liability insurance for its food-distribution activities and have its insurer or Kentucky legal counsel review the program before regular distribution. A carton disclaimer does not replace safe handling, compliance, training or documentation.
17. Training Acknowledgment
Before independently handling eggs for this program, each regular volunteer should receive this procedure and understand the applicable collection, room-temperature storage, sanitation, labeling, transportation and incident-reporting requirements.
Volunteer Name
________________________________
Signature
________________________________
Date
________________________________
Trainer / Coordinator
________________________________
18. Egg Distribution Log
Batch # Collection / Pack Date Source Dozen Room Temp or Refrigerated Distribution Location Initials Notes
Printable Carton Label
Cut and place on each carton. Add collection or pack date and batch number before distribution.
H. I. S. EGGS OUTREACH
Farm-Fresh Eggs
Unwashed | Ungraded | Uninspected | Not Pasteurized
Collection / Pack Date: ______________________
Batch #: ______________________
Kept at room temperature before distribution.
Use soon or refrigerate after receiving.
Once refrigerated, keep refrigerated.
Cook fully before eating. Do not use raw or undercooked.
Do not eat cracked, leaking, dirty, or odd-smelling eggs.
Recipient is responsible for final storage, handling, cooking, and use.
Not for resale.
Biblical Foundation
Deuteronomy 15:11
“For the poor will never cease from the land; therefore I command you, saying, ‘You shall open your hand wide to your brother, to your poor and your needy, in your land.’”