Egg Freshness Safety and Detection Techniques: A Comprehensive Review and Future Perspective

Area of Science:

• Food Science
• Analytical Chemistry
• Agricultural Science

Background:

• Global egg production is increasing, with liquid eggs poised to dominate consumption.
• Current egg freshness evaluation primarily targets shell eggs, lacking standards for liquid eggs.
• Deterioration mechanisms and detection techniques are crucial for ensuring liquid egg quality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review traditional and novel techniques for egg freshness detection.
• To evaluate the applicability of these methods to both shell and liquid eggs.
• To provide references for establishing global liquid egg freshness standards.

Main Methods:

• Summarized traditional methods (Haugh unit, candling) and novel techniques (spectroscopy, sensors, imaging).
• Assessed techniques based on accuracy, cost, duration, and sample integrity.
• Focused on non-destructive, online, and automated detection potentials.

Main Results:

• Traditional methods are shell-egg specific; novel techniques show promise for liquid eggs.
• Raman spectroscopy, electrochemical-chemometrics, NMR, olfactory sensors, and imaging are effective.
• Advanced modeling (deep learning, machine learning) achieved 100% accuracy with hyperspectral imaging and dielectric spectroscopy.

Conclusions:

• Novel, non-destructive techniques offer potential for online, automated liquid egg freshness detection.
• Integrating diverse models with promising techniques is key for practical application.
• Future research should focus on establishing global standards for liquid egg quality assessment.