Disinfection of eggshells contaminated with Salmonella enteritidis

The aim of the study was to investigate the effectiveness of various disinfectants on Salmonella enteritidis inoculated on eggshells. The contaminated eggs were treated with two different disinfectant solutions (benzalkonium chloride (BAG) and benzalkonium chloride / gluteraldehyde combination (BAC/G)) for 5 and 15 minutes. Following the treatment and storage at room temperature, the shells and their content were examined for S. enteritidis on days 7, 14, and 21. The results indicate that S. enteritidis may remain viable on the shells of non-disinfected eggs for a long period of time, and may penetrate into the edible portions of the egg during this period. Treating the eggs with a combination of benzalkonium chloride / gluteraldehyde for 15 minutes may probably safely eliminate the danger of S. enteritidis contamination.