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ARS Home » Northeast Area » Wyndmoor, Pennsylvania » Eastern Regional Research Center » Characterization and Interventions for Foodborne Pathogens » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #423792
Research Project: Validation and Commercialization of Innovative Processing Technologies

Location: Characterization and Interventions for Foodborne Pathogens

Title: An investigation about the globak foodborne outbreaks of Salmonella spp. in eggs: From hatcheries to tables

Author
item Bermudez-Aguirre, Luz
item CARTER, JOSHUA - Former ARS Employee
item Niemira, Brendan

Submitted to: Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/30/2025
Publication Date: 5/20/2025
Citation: Bermudez-Aguirre, L.D., Carter, J., Niemira, B.A. 2025. An investigation about the globak foodborne outbreaks of Salmonella spp. in eggs: From hatcheries to tables. Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety. https://doi.org/10.1111/1541-4337.70202.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/1541-4337.70202

Interpretive Summary: This manuscript reviews the regulations regarding fresh eggs worldwide and the foodborne outbreaks in several countries on five continents over the last five decades. It identifies gaps and inconsistencies in regulations that can create food safety hazards in the egg production chain. The manuscript also mentions some interventions that can be implemented in the egg industry to reduce the presence of Salmonella.

Technical Abstract: Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis is the main pathogen of concern in eggs and egg products, although other serotypes have been reported worldwide. Egg processing guidelines and regulations vary widely from country to country; some are ambiguous, incomplete, or obsolete. However, foodborne outbreaks linked to Salmonella spp. and eggs continue being reported worldwide and are constantly increasing, with many illnesses and deaths, mainly during summer. Although there are documented outbreaks of Salmonella and eggs, several countries are missing an accurate incidence of this pathogen because of the lack of surveillance programs, adequate testing, and traceability. The new trend of farmers markets and backyard egg producers is becoming more common; however, these might represent a safety gap in the egg market if these are not regulated. Several interventions to control the presence and growth of Salmonella in fresh eggs are available; the most widely used, refrigeration, delays the growth of the pathogen in eggs. However, egg refrigeration is not mandatory in several countries, and other nations do not have enough access. This review presents a comprehensive investigation of egg processing regulations and foodborne outbreaks worldwide, contrasting the lack of information, regulations, and communication between food safety agencies, but also the important changes in the last decade.