Egg processing plant carts can harbour bacteria

Enterobacteriaceae, a bacterial family that includes the human pathogens Salmonella and Shigella, are known to contaminate the shell egg processing environment. High levels of these bacteria in the processing plant can signal inadequate sanitation.

 

However, little is known about the number of genera and species that contribute to contamination of what are called nest run carts.

 

Eggs that are produced by hens not housed in buildings connected to the processing plant are called nest run eggs. These eggs are transported to the plant on the carts to be processed.

 

The results were part of a larger survey conducted in 2008. Swab samples were taken from two plants in the southeastern United States during three visits to determine location, bacterial profile and levels in the egg production line.

 

Food technologists in Athens found 100% prevalence for Enterobacteriaceae on nests run carts at one plant and 80% at the other.

 

Species of Escherichia, Enterobacter, Klebsiella, and Salmonella, among others, were present. Pseudomonas was the only non- Enterobacteriaceae identified in the survey.

 

Each cart contained 15 unpainted plywood shelves. Swab samples from the cart shelves were taken and recovered a wide range of genera, but Escherichia and Enterobacter were present most often compared to other Enterobacteriaceae.

 

Knowing which bacteria are present and their location are vital pieces of information in developing strategies to reduce and remove bacterial contamination.

 

The findings of this survey will be used by microbiologists working with the shell egg industry and regulators to encourage development of better sanitation procedures or the use of more easily-cleaned shelving materials.

 

This research was published in the Journal of Food Protection.