Biosecurity Before Breakfast

Eggs and Salmonella have gained a lot of attention this week with expanded numbers in the recall and the current disease outbreak that began in May.

Two large Iowa farms linked to the outbreak, Wright County Egg and Hillandale Farms, share suppliers of chickens and chicken feed. Between the two farms, over 550 million eggs have been recalled from 17 states and almost 2,ooo illnesses have been reported to date.

The source of the contamination is still unknown. It may be from rodent droppings, shipments of contaminated hens or contaminated feed. Proper biosecurity in egg processing includes keeping the poultry healthy and pathogen free, keeping the facilities and all equipment clean and sanitized and washing and sanitizing the eggs before distribution.

The salmonella bacteria is not passed from hen to hen, but usually from rodent droppings to chickens, according to food safety researcher, Professor Patrick McDonough. This strain of bacteria is found inside a chicken's ovaries, and gets inside an egg. For safe handling of eggs, wash hands before and after handling raw eggs and always cook them to 160 degrees to eliminate any pathogens.

In television interviews this morning, Food and Drug Administration chief, Margaret Hamburg said her agency is taking the issue "very, very seriously." She urged Congress to pass the pending food safety legislation to allow preventive controls rather than waiting for an outbreak to occur and reacting to it. She also advised consumers to always prepare food properly and cook it thoroughly. "No more runny egg yolks for mopping up with toast."

More info: List of affected eggs brands, Biosecurity in egg processing, Margaret Hamburg