Fungus or mildew on shells
Description
Eggs affected by a fungus may have a green coating of powdery material or a black, beard-like growth on the shell. Sometimes such eggs are said to be affected by mildew.
Incidence
This defect should not occur under good management. Any incidence is unacceptable.
| Cause | Control |
|---|---|
| Poor hygiene during handling, storage and transport | Do not use soiled egg-handling equipment. Regularly clean roll-out trays, collection belts and egg fi llers. Use correct egg-washing sanitisers and procedures. Clean and disinfect coolrooms regularly. |
| Warm storage conditions or excess coolroom storage of eggs with other produce | The storage temperature must be under 15 °C, and the humidity in the storage room under 80%. Store only eggs in the coolroom. |
| Old eggs | Do not keep old eggs in handling and storage areas because they are more prone to fungal attack. |
COPYRIGHT NOTICE: OPTIMUM EGG QUALITY - A PRACTICAL APPROACH
© The State of Queensland, Australia (through its Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries) and DSM Nutritional Products Ltd., 2007. No part of this publication may be reproduced, copied or transmitted save with prior written permission of Director, Intellectual Property Commercialisation Unit, Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries, GPO Box 46 Brisbane, Queensland, Australia 4001, and DSM Nutritional Products Ltd.
© The State of Queensland, Australia (through its Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries) and DSM Nutritional Products Ltd., 2007. No part of this publication may be reproduced, copied or transmitted save with prior written permission of Director, Intellectual Property Commercialisation Unit, Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries, GPO Box 46 Brisbane, Queensland, Australia 4001, and DSM Nutritional Products Ltd.