The commissioner, in cooperation with the University of Maine Cooperative Extension Service, shall develop a Salmonella enteritidis risk reduction and surveillance program for poultry. The commissioner shall adopt rules to implement the program. The rules must define the term “commercial egg producer” and establish requirements for participating in the program and a process for monitoring compliance with the program. Rules adopted pursuant to this section are major substantive rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter II?A. [PL 2001, c. 91, §1 (NEW).]

Upon final adoption of the rules, participation in the program is mandatory for all commercial egg producers in the State. A commercial egg producer who fails to comply with the requirements of this section and rules adopted pursuant to this section commits a civil violation for which a forfeiture of no more than $1,000 may be adjudged. [PL 2001, c. 91, §1 (NEW).]