ARS | Publication request: SANITATION SAMPLING AND MICROBIOLOGICAL TESTING METHODS

Submitted to: National Egg Regulatory Officials Annual Meeting
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: April 15, 2003
Publication Date: April 20, 2003
Citation: Jones, D.R. 2003. Sanitation sampling and microbiological testing methods. National Egg Regulatory Officials Annual Meeting Proceedings. p. 58-60.

Technical Abstract: As egg laws begin to take a greater food safety approach versus the traditional product quality concern, shell egg processing plant sanitation practices are quickly becoming a greater priority for regulatory groups. There are many factors involved in designing a sanitation review program. Sample sites must be selected that would accurately assess the overall sanitation level of the process. Appropriate sampling methods must be determined. Indicator organisms must be selected for factors to be analyzed. Enumeration methods also have to be considered. Acceptable tolerances should be set. While sanitation review programs may prove useful for state egg regulatory agencies, there are costs associated with establishing and conducting such programs, therefore state egg fees may need to be adjusted to help off-set these costs.