Pulsed Ultraviolet Light: A New Way to Decontaminate Poultry Eggshells

Paul Patterson, a professor of poultry science at Penn State reports its researchers have demonstrated the efficacy of pulse ultraviolet light to decontaminate shell surfaces. Every year in the United States, an average of 287 eggs are consumed per person, and more than 14.1 billion eggs are set in hatchery incubators to produce chicks destined for the egg and meat bird industries. Reducing the microbial load on eggs can reduce foodborne illness outbreaks associated with eggs and poultry meat while chick health is maintained. The egg industry currently uses detergents and sanitizers to wash off any physical debris and…