The Associated Press reports that one of the nation’s largest egg producers was barred Friday from selling over 4 million eggs deemed unfit for human consumption.
The eggs were stored in a barn in Croton belonging to Ohio Fresh Eggs. Inspectors found the eggs at room temperature, in violation of health standards, the Ohio Department of Agriculture said.
State law requires eggs to be stored under refrigeration in a controlled environment below 45 degrees.
A Licking County court issued an order prohibiting the sale of the eggs and the agriculture department will seek an injunction against the company on Tuesday.
The eggs were not intended for retail sale but were being prepared for possible sale as animal feed, said company spokesman Harry Palmer. If the court rules the eggs must be destroyed, the company will comply.
Ohio Fresh Eggs bought the former Buckeye Egg Farm in February 2004 after that company’s repeated run-ins with the state over environmental violations.
In September, agriculture department director Fred Dailey sought to revoke Ohio Fresh Eggs’ operating permits, alleging it provided false information on its applications. The company has denied the allegation, and a hearing is scheduled in June.