how to sanitize eggs?

[Imp]

A.T.Hagan has it exactly right.

Washing eggs and hands is safer, as long as you refrigerate. And no change in quality for many weeks.

Sounds like you have a good handle on the subject.

Imp

 

[gritsar]

Quote:
A recent Mother Earth News article stated that salmonella is more likely to be contracted from store bought eggs (commercial chickens) than it is from backyard ones.

http://www.motherearthnews.com/happy-homesteader/salmonella-outbreak-zb0z10zrog.aspx

The article states in part: "Did you know that eggs are naturally germ-free, due to bacteria-fighting proteins found within the egg white? Bacteria may invade the egg through a crack in the shell, and maybe even make it past the membrane, but when it hits the egg white, three proteins work together to provide effective protection against contamination."

 

[frostbite]

More likely, less likely. As much fun as salmonella isn't, I won't take chances, regardless, and to my mind, "less likely" doesn't mean "not a problem".

Although I will say I agree with the sentiment that a "dirty" upbringing seems to correlate with reduced incidence of asthma and other autoimmune disorders, and is likely a healthier way to grow up. If the environment is too sterile, the immune system has nothing to work on but it's host.

And I don't buy antibacterial soap. Don't want resistant organisms hanging around either.

 

[cmclean]

My "chicken" book says to wash them in water that is slightly warmer than the egg because cool water will force bacteria through the shell into the egg.

 

[TheTropix]

Ok to restart an old thread, I need advice, folks. I received some eggs today. 2 out of 7 were broken in transit, 1 of them looked like a regular broken egg, the other broken one was dark olive-ish green with what looked like oil.. I'll add a pic. Now goo was also on the other eggs. I immediately ran the unbroken ones to the sink and rinsed well, but not rubbed, the eggs. Is there a way to sanitize them, I have other eggs in the incubator that these would be going in. Am I risking all my other eggs? Do they have a chance to hatch? I need advice, folks!

Thanks, Sherry

 

[TheTropix]

oops

 

[chickengeorgeto]

I don't believe that there are a lot of germs on the outside of chicken eggs that we humans need to worry about. Just don't try telling that to the FDA or USDA. The problem area is the inside of the egg and that is what the frying pan was invented to cure. Again forget about trying to convince the FDA or USDA that eggs should be cooked before we eat them. If the egg is unsoiled when you gather it, you will likely introduce more germs dangerous to humans from your own hands than you will kill with an anti germ dip. Yea, I know its your spouse that your dealing with and yes like the FDA or the USDA I realize that husbands and wives are not famous for their powers of logic, but just like when you step on board a commercial aircraft, strap yourself in, and takeoff into the wild blue yonder,sometimes you just got to have faith and believe.

If I was really really worried about what was lurking on the exterior of my hen eggs I would use a FRESH one gallon warm water dip that contained one crushed and dissolved Camden tablet. Camden is used to sterilize wine must and beer wort before the yeast is pitched. I am unsure anymore but at one time it seemed like the USDA & FDA vacillated weekly between requiring a sulfur compound similar to Camden and one form or the other of formaldehyde to be employed as an egg dip. The big egg producers are more than happy to comply because it keeps germs dangerous to chickens from spreading with the help of shoppers' grocery carts.

 

[TheTropix]

So do you think they'd be ok to incubate?

 

[TheTropix]

O M Gosh! I just realized why these answers weren't making sense to me. I don't want to eat them!!! They're Jubilee Orpington eggs... I want to hatch them! LMAO

 

[TheTropix]

They were shipped eggs. Did you see that gruesome picture above? Stank like... well it was gruesome.