Files
Abstract
Food Safety is considered an utmost priority for shell egg producers when providing table eggs for consumers. In the United States, commitments by producers have shifted to cage-free systems due to increased concerns for laying hen welfare. In cage-free systems, floor egg production has become a concern. Floor eggs are susceptible to pathogen contamination from exposure to fecal material and substrate. Concerns about the microbiological safety of floor eggs entering the human food supply are based on an individual consuming potentially contaminated eggs. Currently, regulations pertaining to floor eggs and their use are lacking. This research evaluated Salmonella penetration from the contaminated feces on egg shells prior to egg washing. Evidence from this research concludes that Salmonella spp. are capable of surviving extended refrigerated storage. However, challenged Salmonella Enteritidis was not detected within contents between the timeframe of 48 h after lay in any challenged egg for the study duration.