An Improved Sanitizer For Grade A Shell Eggs

The incidence of food borne outbreaks associated with Salmonella has risen steadily since the mid1970's. The monetary cost of salmonellosis has been estimated at $4 billion annually. The primarycause of salmonellosis has been linked to the consumption of eggs or egg products containingSalmonella enteritidis and 80% of all eggs consumed in the United States are transported to thepurchaser in the shell. Controlling microorganisms associated with shell eggs requires an effectivestrategy for killing pathogens on the shell surface. Therefore, we are developing the uniquedisinfectant, Enzodine, for use in the egg processing industry as a sanitizer for grade A shell eggs.Enzodine is an effective microbicide that is nontoxic to animals, including humans, is environmentallysafe and can be disposed of in the waste water of any municipality. Previous work has demonstratedthat Enzodine has been bactericidal against microorganisms associated with shell eggs. The aims ofthis Phase I project are: 1) Develop an easy and effective method of application of Enzodine to eggs foruse in a commercial egg processing plant; and 2) Determine the practicality and functionality ofEnzodine in egg processing plants.