INTERVENTION AND PROCESSING STRATEGIES FOR FOOD-BORNE PATHOGENS IN SHELL EGGS

1. Evaluate bactericidal effects of critical processing parameters (e.g. influence of wash water parameters, sanitizers, and sanitizer application methods) on egg safety. Specifically, conduct research on effective sanitizers (chemical, UV, etc.) and parameters that influence efficacy (temperature, nozzle type, etc.): 1.A Determine role of pH in wash water; 1.B Test chemicals as post-wash sanitizers for shell eggs; 1.C Evaluate modifications in post-wash sanitizer delivery. 2. Identify intervention strategies and processing practices for shell egg facilities and equipment that will improve sanitation standard operating procedures and reduce foodborne pathogens: 2.A Identify important reservoirs of Salmonella contamination in the processing environment; 2.B Evaluate sanitation interventions. 3. Develop more sensitive methods of detection and analysis and apply them in the determination and characterization of pathogen flow through the processing environment and onto eggs: 3.A Evaluate rapid, sensitive methods for pathogen detection; 3.B Utilize enhance methods to determine effect of housing on egg microbiology; 3.C: Characterize isolates at the molecular level to demonstrate flow from production through processing.