How are eggs processed to make them edible and safe to eat?

In this brief guide, we will discuss the question “How are eggs processed to make them edible and safe to eat?”. As well, we will discuss what eggs are, who regulates the industry of eggs, how to ensure the safety of eggs and other concerns about eggs.  

How are eggs processed to make them edible and safe to eat?

The industries of eggs have systems of control hazards that keep the eggs safe and edible, they also control the origins of eggs ensuring that they come from eggs poultry houses that use good farming practices and measures to prevent Salmonella

Who regulates the industry of eggs?

The industry of eggs is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the US, but this can change according to the country, however, the objective is the same, to ensure edible and safe eggs for human consumption. 

How to ensure the safety of eggs?

The FDA requires rules that measure the prevention of Salmonella Enteritidis for the eggs in poultry houses and in the industry, which will process the egg. 

What is the control in egg poultry houses?

FDA requires a list of rules of biosecurity practices to prevent Salmonella Enteritidis (SE) to keep SE off from the birds and the birds off from the SE. Some examples of these practices you can check below.

  • It’s necessary to limit the visitors to the farm;
  • Keep practices that will ensure no cross-contamination when the employee moves between poultry houses;
  • Keep practices that will ensure no cross-contamination when equipment or objects are moved between poultry houses;
  • Keep practices that prevent wandering poultry, cats, wild birds, or else animals from going into poultry houses;
  • It’s not permitted for employees to keep birds in their houses;
  • The poultry house needs to be isolated from other farms and houses at a specific distance and physical barriers to avoid the spread of SE;
  • Apply a traffic control that also includes the practices to avoid cross-contamination and animal moves onto the farm or moves of patterns while on the farm;  
  • Apply sanitation controls by cleaning and making the disinfection of poultry houses, materials, equipment, and people;
  • To keep a pest control program for rodents, flies, and others;
  • Keep a recommended density of the poultry according to the system of production;
  • Sampling and testing for SE from the environment and eggs; 
  • Maintain the eggs in refrigeration while in storage and at the transportation.

What is the control of the egg industry?

The industry needs to ensure that they are buying eggs from controlled eggs poultry houses to prevent SE and the industry needs to ensure that it is following the rules that contain measures to also prevent SE, like pasteurization to ensure the safety of eggs and control hazard programs.  

What is the bacteria Salmonella?

Bacteria Salmonella causes foodborne illness if you consume a contaminated egg, and is an important public health problem. The signs of infection are aimed at gastrointestinal frames and can be mild to severe, including death. If you wanna know more about Salmonella, click here.

How can I buy safe eggs?

You can buy safe eggs at the grocery store. When buying you can check if the eggs are clean and if the shells are not cracked. It’s recommended to buy eggs that are kept in a refrigerator or refrigerated case, and also stored in the refrigerator.

How do I cook eggs?

It’s important to know that it’s not safe to eat raw eggs because you will have the risk of being sick and if you cook them properly will ensure a safe egg to eat. Below, I listed some tips for you on how you make hard-boiled eggs.

  • Fill in a pan with sufficient water so when you put the eggs they will be completely under the water and put it on a boil over average-high heat;
  • When the water boils, put the eggs there with the help of some slotted spoon, gently lowering them;
  • Now, decrease the heat to a boil and cook for 10 minutes;
  • After that, drain the eggs in a colander and put them in a dish of cooled water  till completely cooled;
  • If you are not going to eat right now, keep the cooked eggs in the refrigerator (40°F/4°C or colder) with a shelf life of one week.

What recipe can I do with eggs?

As the eggs are consumed worldwide, you will find many types of recipes with eggs. If you click here, you will find 40 recipes for eggs for midweek meals.  

Other FAQs about Eggs that you may be interested in.

Can you keep scrambled egg mix in the fridge? 

Do boiled eggs cause gas?

Does freezing eggs kill Salmonella?

Conclusion 

In this brief guide, we have discussed the question “How are eggs processed to make them edible and safe to eat?”. As well, we have discussed what eggs are, who regulates the industry of eggs, how to ensure the safety of eggs, and other concerns about eggs.  

References 

https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/cooking-tips-tutorials/a32108803/how-long-to-boil-eggs/ Accessed: 04/29/2022

https://www.fda.gov/media/82653/download Accessed: 04/29/2022

https://www.fda.gov/food/buy-store-serve-safe-food/what-you-need-know-about-egg-safety Accessed: 04/29/2022

https://www.fda.gov/food/eggs-guidance-documents-regulatory-information/egg-safety-final-rule Accessed: 04/29/2022 

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