Bio-Security

Because of the inherent food-safety risks involved in producing fresh food for America’s tables, Herbruck’s takes bio-security extremely seriously. Our bio-security policies and practices cover all facets of our operation, from animal care to egg processing and shipping (see also our Food Safety section).

Herbruck’s was an early adopter of bio-security precautions and procedures. In fact, from the time the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) first began discussing a new set of safety standards, we began implementing them. This was nearly 10 years before the Egg Safety Final Rule took effect in 2010.

Specific measures to ensure bio-security at Herbruck’s include:

  • Controlled public access. The days of welcoming members of the general public to tour our farms are, regrettably, long gone. To reduce the risk of contamination, entry to our facilities is strictly monitored, and no business guest is allowed without a Herbruck’s host.

  • Restricted staff access. Our own staff members are not permitted to enter our production or processing facilities for 72 hours after they have been in proximity to birds on other farms or in the wild.

  • Facility cleanliness. Herbruck’s uses a host of tactics to maintain the cleanliness of our facilities, inside and out, including:
    • Street sweeping vehicles to remove dirt from outside pavement
    • Vacuum feather pickers to remove stray feathers from grass and green spaces
    • Foot baths at every doorway, both exterior and interior, to disinfect the soles of footwear
    • Daily henhouse vacuuming, with appropriate filters, to remove dust
    • Meticulous cleaning of egg processing equipment and facilities
    • Effective rodent control practices to minimize the risk of rodent-borne disease

    • Facility design techniques that minimize dust and feathers, and make cleaning easier

  • Bird screening, vaccination, and testing. To prevent disease and the salmonella enteritidis (SE) bacteria, Herbruck’s accepts only healthy, SE-free chicks. Then our vaccination program blocks SE infections and prevents other diseases. In addition, we regularly test both growing pullets and mature hens for SE and other issues. These same policies apply to our contract farms. As a result, our flocks produce only premium-quality eggs.

  • Monitoring technology. Our system software monitors and maintains age-appropriate feeding, lighting, and ventilation in the bird houses, along with proper egg wash- and rinse-water temperatures, cooler temperatures, and equipment function in the processing facilities. All of this is to encourage optimum bird health and ensure consumer safety.

  • Audits. Bio-security is so important to our business that we engage in monthly self-audits and multiple annual third-party audits of our processes – from the hatchery to the delivery truck.