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Variations in external and internal microbial populations in shell eggs during extended storage
D R Jones1, M T Musgrove, J K Northcutt
1Russell Research Center, Poultry Processing and Meat Quality Research Unit, Agricultural Research Service, US Department of Agriculture, Athens, Georgia 30605, USA. drjones@saa.ars.usda.gov
Journal of Food Protection
|January 7, 2005
Summary
Washing commercial shell eggs significantly reduced microbial contamination on the exterior, particularly for total aerobes and yeast/mold populations, throughout 10 weeks of refrigerated storage. Interior egg quality remained largely unaffected by washing.
Area of Science:
- Food Microbiology
- Food Safety
- Agricultural Science
Background:
- Maintaining microbial quality of shell eggs during extended storage is crucial for food safety.
- Commercial egg processing involves washing, but its impact on microbial load over time requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effect of commercial washing on the microbial quality of shell eggs during 10 weeks of refrigerated storage.
- To compare microbial populations (total aerobes, yeasts, molds, Enterobacteriaceae, pseudomonads) on the shells and in the contents of washed versus unwashed eggs.
Main Methods:
- Shell eggs (unwashed and washed) were stored at 4°C for 10 weeks.
- Shell rinses and egg contents were collected weekly for microbial analysis.
- Enumeration of total aerobes, yeasts and molds, Enterobacteriaceae, and pseudomonads was performed.
Main Results:
- Washing significantly reduced external shell contamination by total aerobes and yeast/mold populations throughout storage.
- No significant differences in Enterobacteriaceae or pseudomonads were observed between washed and unwashed eggs in shell rinses or contents.
- Microbial populations in egg contents (total aerobes, yeasts, molds) did not differ significantly between treatments during storage.
Conclusions:
- Commercial egg washing effectively reduces external microbial load, contributing to improved shell hygiene.
- Washing does not significantly impact the microbial quality of the egg contents during extended refrigerated storage.
- Washing is a beneficial step in commercial egg processing for enhancing shell surface microbial control.