Project Number: 6612-41420-014-00
Project Type: Appropriated

Start Date: Jan 09, 2006
End Date: Jan 08, 2011

Objective:
There are 4 objectives for the project emphasizing food safety, quality, and security of shell eggs and egg products. First, to evaluate post-processing sanitizers and sanitizing technologies for their benefits to the microbiological safety and quality of shell eggs. Second, to develop technologies and/or techniques to improve processing plant sanitation practices. Third, to develop, evaluate and validate rapid detection methods for pathogens and toxins (for example: Staphylococcus aureus and staphylococcal enterotoxins, Listeria, Vibrio and Yersinia species) which could compromise food security in egg products, including liquid egg. Fourth, to examine differences in microbial flora associated with the eggs from alternative agriculture practices.

Approach:
The five year project plan for the Egg Safety, Quality and Security ARS Research Program will address issues of concern for the shell egg and egg products industry, regulatory personnel, allied industry and consumers. 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. Agricultural production practices have become more diverse to meet consumer demands. The microbial flora of eggs from alternative production will be compared to traditional production to gain a better understanding of their potential impact on egg safety.