2006 Annual Report 1.What major problem or issue is being resolved and how are you resolving it (summarize project aims and objectives)? How serious is the problem? Why does it matter? 1. The five year project plan for the Egg Safety, Quality and Security CRIS will address issues of concern for the shell egg and egg products industry, regulatory personnel, allied industry and consumers. This research falls under NP 108 (Food Safety - Animal and Plant Products). Emphasis will be placed on determining the role post-processing shell surface sanitizers play in product safety and quality. Novel compounds as well as application technologies will be examined. Furthermore, processing plant sanitation will be more thoroughly assessed to determine points where interventions could increase sanitation program effectiveness. Procedures will include evaluating equipment surfaces for improved cleaning methods. This will be of particular interest for both regulators and the industry with the advent of new processing regulations. With the recent importance of food security, rapid detection techniques for potential biological terror pathogens that could be introduced into liquid egg product will be evaluated. Through this objective, a greater understanding of intercepting potential agricultural threats will be gleaned. This project plan encompasses a large body of work that will result in safer, higher quality shell eggs and egg products for the consumer. 2.List by year the currently approved milestones (indicators of research progress) FY 2006: 1. Pilot test shell surface sanitizers for their ability to decrease shell microbial populations. 2. Begin bench top and pilot testing of processing facility sanitation compounds. FY 2007: 1. Determine if physical changes in the shell occur due to shell surface sanitizer application. 2. Determine the optimum application conditions for shell surface sanitizers. 3. Complete bench top and pilot testing of processing facility sanitation compounds. 4. Assess application technologies and techniques for processing facility sanitation compounds. 5. Begin bench top sampling and detection of specific pathogens in control and inoculated liquid egg samples. FY 2008: 1. Complete assessment of optimum application techniques of shell surface sanitizers. 2. Transfer shell surface sanitizer findings to the commercial setting to determine validity of compound(s) in the commercial setting. 3. Complete assessment of application technologies and techniques for processing facility sanitation compounds. 4. Begin determining the most effective methods to clean older processing equipment without clean in place (CIP) technology. 5. Complete bench top sampling and detection food security studies in liquid egg products. 6. Begin evaluating available rapid detection technologies for the detection of food security pathogens in egg products. FY 2009: 1. Complete work determining best methods for cleaning older processing equipment without CIP technology and transfer findings to the shell egg industry. 2. Complete the assessment of rapid detection technologies for food security pathogens in egg products. 3. Begin modifying egg product sampling methods for food security screenings for transfer to commercial setting. FY 2010: 1. Complete the transfer of egg products sampling methods for food security screenings to the egg products industry. 4a.List the single most significant research accomplishment during FY 2006. In a continuation of previous CRIS work, studies were conducted to further examine the presence of aerobic organisms, Enterobacteriaceae, Salmonella, Campylobacter, and Listeria on vacuum loader suction cups and packer head brushes in 2 shell egg processing facilities. Samples of eggs before processing, during processing, and after packaging were also collected. Levels of aerobic populations on the suction cups were similar to those previously determined. Enterobacteriaceae levels were greater in the current study. Salmonella and Campylobacter were found on 3% and 1%, respectively, of the suction cups sampled. Listeria was isolated on 72% of the suction cups samples. All of the populations were recovered from packer heads though pathogens were only encountered 1-2 times. No pathogens were recovered from eggs. Higher numbers of aerobic microorganisms and Enterobacteriaceae were recovered from washed eggs when > 4.0 log cfu aerobes/ml or >2.0 log cfu Enterobacteriaceae/ml per sample were recovered from packer head brushes. These findings will be utilized to develop more effective processing plant sanitation practices. 4b.List other significant research accomplishment(s), if any. Studies were conducted to examine the effectiveness of periacetic acid and chlorine, compared to water, as shell surface sanitizers. Solutions were applied to the surface of visibly clean, unwashed eggs. Several application methods were employed. Enterobacteriaceae, the genera of bacteria containing many of the prevalent foodborne pathogens, prevalence was reduced 20-50% with periacetic acid compared to the other treatments. When a mechanical nano-atomizer was used to apply the periacetic acid, Enterobacteriaceae prevalence was reduced 94%. A 200 ppm chlorine solution was less successful when applied in the same manner. A study was conducted to determine the bacterial populations present on restricted shell eggs destined for the egg products industry. Restricted eggs are those which do not meet quality standards to be sold as shell eggs. All shell/membrane emulsion and contents pools were positive for aerobic organisms (>4.5 log cfu/ml and > 2 log cfu/ml, respectively). Enterobacteriaceae were detected in 99% of shell/membrane emulsion pools and 29% of egg contents pools. Listeria was detected in 36% of shell/membrane emulsion pools and 5% of contents pools. Salmonella and Campylobacter were isolated from 2% and 1%, respectively, of shell/membrane emulsion pools. Enterobacteriaceae were recovered from nest run cart shelving in shell egg processing plants (mixed and off-line operations). Approximately 98% of shelves were contaminated with these microorganisms. On average, 3.4 log cfu/cm2 were recovered per shelf and bottom shelves were dirtier than the top-most rack shelves (4.1 v. 2.5 log cfu/cm2). Isolates of Enterobacteriaceae were identified using biochemical tests. Enterobacter and Escherichia were the most commonly identified genera. Others included Citrobacter, Hafnia, Klebsiella, Kluyvera, Leclercia, and Salmonella; Pseudomonas was the only non-Enterobacteriaceae genus identified and is commonly associated with egg spoilage. Additionally, the preliminary portion of a retail survey of varying types of shell eggs was conducted. The eggs were examined for the prevalence of several food borne pathogens as well as the enumeration of aerobic populations and Enterobacteriaceae. Physical quality factors such as Haugh units, vitelline membrane strength, shell strength and thickness, total solids, ash and fat were also monitored. Information from this preliminary study will be utilized to develop a regional retail shell egg study involving cooperators from several universities in the Southern US. 4c.List significant activities that support special target populations. none to report 4d.Progress report. none to report 5.Describe the major accomplishments to date and their predicted or actual impact. Research findings from studies investigating the populations of bacteria present on vacuum loader suction cups and packer head brushes will be utilized by industry, regulatory groups, cleaning chemical companies, equipment manufacturing companies, and industry support groups. Each of these groups has interest in the outcome of the research so as to strengthen existing cleaning regimens and develop new, more effective programs. Shell surface sanitizing spray is required by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service on all shielded eggs. The spray has to meet certain requirements and must be applied after washing. Previous work has questioned the efficacy of sanitizer spray. The current research findings can be used by chemical companies in the development of new sanitizer agents as well as by the industry to determine which sanitizers will better suit their product goals. The Agricultural Marketing Service rules on requests for variance to use alternate chemicals as shell surface sanitizers, therefore, the findings of this research objective is of particular concern for this policy group. Nest run egg carts are utilized in the shell egg industry to transport unwashed shell eggs from production facilities to processing plants. They are metal racks with unfinished wood shelves. Previous work coordinated by this CRIS has found the shelves of these carts to be reservoirs for bacteria. Current research has focused on identifying specific organisms associated with the cart shelves so as to develop more effective intervention strategies to prevent bacterial growth niches from developing. This work is of concern to both the shell egg industry and regulatory groups as new food safety-based egg regulations are being drafted. Restricted eggs from shell egg processors are those which can not be sold in the shell egg market due to quality defects and are directed to further egg processing. The CRIS conducted a study examining specific microbial populations to determine their prevalence on restricted eggs. The results of this study can be utilized by industry to ensure their products are being processed in a manner to eliminate or reduce the occurrence of such organisms to an acceptable level. Researchers can also utilize the research findings when developing new thermal and non-thermal pasteurization techniques and technologies to ensure suitable kill levels. Regulatory groups are interested in the findings to increase the sensitivity of risk assessment models associated with egg products. Furthermore, USDA policy offices utilize the findings when assessing new proposed pasteurization methods for federal approval. The retail shell egg study focused on microbial and physical quality of the products and provides information of interest to the shell egg industry, industry support groups, regulatory groups, and consumers. There has been a national study conducted on limited quality factors associated with various types of retail shell eggs within the last five years. While this study provided a good deal of information, it was lacking in egg composition and there were no corresponding microbiological assessments. The shell egg industry can utilize the findings of this study to ascertain the overall quality of their product at the point of retail. Industry support groups will use this information to develop guidelines to assist the shell egg industry in providing a consistently high quality product to the consumer. Regulatory groups will employ the findings when developing state and federal egg laws. Finally, consumers can see a comparison of available shell egg options on the market place and make more informed purchases based on these findings. 6.What science and/or technologies have been transferred and to whom? When is the science and/or technology likely to become available to the end-user (industry, farmer, other scientists)? What are the constraints, if known, to the adoption and durability of the technology products? Information from the research conducted in this CRIS is presented at a variety of industry, regulatory, consumer and research forums. Publications are made available to individuals and groups through direct contact and scientific publications. When requested and approved, data are supplied to USDA-FSIS risk assessors to enhance the sensitivity of risk assessments. 7.List your most important publications in the popular press and presentations to organizations and articles written about your work. (NOTE: List your peer reviewed publications below). Jones, D. R. 2006. Invited speaker. Microbial and functional changes of shell eggs during extended storage. Queensland World's Poultry Science Association branch meeting. Brisbane, Australia. February 10, 2006. Jones, D. R. 2006. Invited speaker. Role of shell egg processing facility sanitation practices on egg microbial quality in the US. Victoria World's Poultry Science Association branch meeting. Melbourne, Australia. February 13, 2006. Jones, D. R. 2006. Invited speaker. American perspectives on food safety and eggs. South Australia World's Poultry Science Association branch meeting. Adelaide, Australia. February 15, 2006. Jones, D. R. 2006. Proceedings. Conserving and monitoring shell egg quality. Australian Poultry Science Symposium. Sydney, Australia. February 20-21, 2006. Jones, D. R. 2006. Proceedings. Egg quality - What's the point? National Egg Quality School. Memphis, Tennessee. May 22-25, 2006. Jones, D. R. 2006. Proceedings. Haugh unit assessment. National Egg Quality School. Memphis, Tennessee. May 22-25, 2006. Jones, D. R. 2006. Proceedings. Understanding HACCP. National Egg Quality School. Memphis, Tennessee. May 22-25, 2006. Jones, D. R. 2006. Proceedings. Effectively addressing consumer questions. National Egg Quality School. Memphis, Tennessee. May 22-25, 2006. Jones, D. R. 2006. Invited lecturer. Factors influencing egg quality. Midwest Poultry Consortium Course. Madison, Wisconsin. July 10-12, 2006. Jones, D. R. 2006. Proceedings. Food crystallization and egg products. National Egg Products School. Fayetteville, Arkansas. July 30-August 3, 2006. Jones, D. R. 2006. Invited speaker. Assessments of shell egg processing facility sanitation practices and egg microbial quality. International Association of Food Protection. Calgary, Canada. August 15, 2006. Jones, D. R. and M. T. Musgrove. 2006. Proceedings. Impact of shell egg processing on food safety. Australian Poultry Science Symposium. Sydney, Australia. February 20-21, 2006. Musgrove, M. T. 2006. Invited speaker. Agricultural Research Service poultry research programs and employment opportunities. Poultry Science club monthly meeting. Auburn, Alabama, February 21, 2006. Musgrove, M. T. 2006. Proceedings. Sanitation sampling in the shell egg processing plant. National Egg Regulatory Officials Annual Meeting. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. March 5-8, 2005. Musgrove, M. T., D. R. Jones, J. K .Northcutt, N. A. Cox, and M. A. Harrison. 2006. Proceedings. Reducing microbial contamination during shell egg processing. Midwest Poultry Federation. Minneapolis, Minnesota. March 21-23, 2006. Musgrove, M. T. 2006. Proceedings. Keeping food-borne disease and eggs in perspective. National Egg Quality School. Memphis, Tennessee. May 21-25, 2006. Musgrove, M. T. 2006. Proceedings. Sanitation in shell egg processing plants. National Egg Quality School. Memphis, Tennessee. May 21-25, 2006. Musgrove, M. T. 2006. Invited lecturer. Egg microbiology. Midwest Poultry Consortium Course. Madison, Wisconsin. July 12-14, 2006. Musgrove, M. T. 2006. Proceedings. Factors that affect the microbiology of commercial shell egg processing. National Egg Products School. Fayetteville, Arkanasas. July 31- August 3, 2006. Musgrove, M. T. 2006. Invited speaker. How to get your Ph.D. in 15 years or less. IAFP Student professional development group luncheon. Calgary, Canada. August 13, 2006. Musgrove, M. T. 2006. Invited speaker. Microbiological effects of shell egg processing. International Association of Food Protection. Calgary, Canada. August 15, 2006. Review Publications Shaw, J., Musgrove, M.T., Sheppard, M., Jones, D.R. 2006. Survey of enterobacteriaceae contamination of nest run egg carts in shell egg processing facilities. Poultry Science. 85(1):161-162 Musgrove, M.T., Cox Jr, N.A., Richardson, L.J., Jones, D.R., Northcutt, J.K. 2006. Comparison of shell egg sanitizers and application methods [abstract]. Poultry Science. 85(1):162. Hinton Jr, A., Northcutt, J.K., Smith, D.P., Musgrove, M.T., Ingram, K.D. 2006. Psychrotrophic bacteria and yeasts on broiler carcasses washed with electrolyzed oxidizing water or chlorinated water using an inside-outside washer [abstract]. Poultry Science Meeting. 85(1):171-172. Musgrove, M.T., Jones, D.R., Hinton Jr, A., Ingram, K.D., Northcutt, J.K. 2006. Identification of yeasts isolated from commercial shell eggs stored at refrigerated temperatures [abstract]. International Association for Food Protection Proceedings. p. 126. Musgrove, M.T., Jones, D.R. 2006. Enterobacteriaceae and related organisms isolated from shell eggs washed in cooler wash water. Poultry Science Annual Meeting. p. 135 Musgrove, M.T., Jones, D.R. 2006. Microbiological survey of seven types retail shell eggs. Poultry Science Association Annual Meeting. p.135 Jones, D.R., Musgrove, M.T., Caudill, A.B., Curtis, P.A., Northcutt, J.K. 2005. Microbial quality of cool water washed shell eggs. International Journal of Poultry Science. 4(12):938-943 Musgrove, M.T., Jones, D.R., Caudill, B.A., Curtis, P.A. 2006. Effects of cool water washing of shell eggs on pathogen detection. Journal of Food Protection, Meeting Abstract. p.116. Jones, D.R., Musgrove, M.T. 2006. Prevalence of salmonella, campylobacter and listeria on the surface of vacuum loaders in shell egg processing plants. Poultry Science.85(1):134-135 Caudill, A.B., Curtis, P.A., Jones, D.R., Musgrove, M.T., Anderson, K.E., Kerth, L.K. 2006. Effects of cool water washing of shell eggs on haugh unit, vitelline membrane strength, aerobic bacteria, yeast, and mold. Poultry Science.85(1):100 Musgrove, M.T., Curtis, P., Ramirez, G., Latimer, H., Thesmar, H., Jones, D.R., Gast, R.K. 2006. A new crack at egg safety: from the hen house to your house (abstract).International Association for Food Protection Annual Meeting. p.67.