Effects of Electron Beam Irradiation on Pathogen Inactivation, Quality, and Functional Properties of Shell Egg during Ambient Storage

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of electron beam irradiation on pathogens, quality, and functional properties of shell eggs during storage. A 1st grade 1-d-old egg was subjected to electron beam irradiation at 0, 1, 2, and 3 kGy, after which the number of total aerobic bacteria, reduction of inoculated Escherichia coli and Salmonella Typhimurium, egg quality, and functional properties were measured. Electron beam irradiation at 2 kGy reduced the number of E. coli and S. Typhimurium cells to a level below the detection limit (<10 CFU/g) after 7 and 14 d of storage. Egg freshness as measured by albumen height and the number of Haugh units was significantly reduced by 1-kGy irradiation. The viscosity of irradiated egg white was also significantly decreased by increased irradiation, whereas its foaming ability was increased. Electron beam irradiation also increased lipid oxidation in egg yolks. These results suggest that electron beam irradiation reduces the freshness of shell eggs while increasing the oxidation of egg yolk and improving important functional properties such as foaming capacity. Electron beam irradiation can also be applied to the egg breaking process since the irradiation reduces the viscosity of egg white, which can allow egg whites and yolks to be separated with greater efficiency.