Technorati Tags: facts about turtles, land turtles, red eared slider turtles, turtles as pets, turtles habitat, turtles pets, types of turtles

The sale or commercial distribution of viable turtle eggs and small turtles (less than 4″) for use as turtles pets is banned under 21 CFR 1240.62 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

This agency acts under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

The ban is based on the Public Health Service Act (section 361, 58 Stat. 703) and applies to intrastate and interstate sale and distribution.

However there are a few exceptions to the current ban.  21 CFR 1240.62 permits the sale of turtles and turtle eggs for use in bona fide scientific, educational, or exhibitional purposes other than as pets and of marine (ocean) turtles.

There is one other exception to this ban and that is the sale of turtles and turtle eggs not in connection with a business (ex. limited sales between turtle hobbyists have been permitted) or that are intended for export.

The ban’s main purpose is to protect small children from getting salmonellosis, and turtles under 4 inches are most commonly held for sale as children’s turtles pets. more…

Technorati Tags: facts about turtles, land turtles, red eared slider turtles, turtles as pets, turtles habitat, turtles pets, types of turtles