ATHENS, Ga.—Plywood-shelved carts used to transport eggs into processing plants can harbor Enterobacteriaceae, a bacterial family that includes the human pathogens Salmonella and Shigella, according to a microbial survey conducted by Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists.
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. Researchers found 100-percent prevalence for Enterobacteriaceae on nests run carts at one plant and 80 percent at the other. Species of Escherichia, Enterobacter, Klebsiella, and Salmonella, among others, were present. Pseudomonas was the only non- Enterobacteriaceae identified in the survey.
Knowing which bacteria are present and their location are vital pieces of information in developing strategies to reduce and remove bacterial contamination. The findings 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.
