derives from vertebrate food product egg food product A food consisting of a round or oval body laid by the female of many animals, consisting of an ovum surrounded by layers of membranes and an outer casing, which acts to nourish and protect a developing embryo and its nutrient reserves. Regarding American regulatory aspects of egg products, see this summary: https://www.politico.com/agenda/story/2016/03/crazy-us-chicken-egg-regulation-graphic-000077 egg or egg component