UV Industry of the Month: Egg Disinfection
Did you know that UV lamps are used to disinfect egg shells?
With Easter and egg dyeing around the corner we decided to investigate the egg disinfection process. It is necessary to decontaminate eggs once laid whether they are for hatching or human consumption. Chemicals like hydrogen peroxide, formaldehyde, sodium hydroxide, and phenol can be used to decontaminate eggs. Unfortunately these chemicals leave a residue that may damage the outer layer. When using UV light to decontaminate eggs, bacteria is effectively killed while not affecting the integrity of the eggshell or internal material (whether it is an unfertilized egg for consumption or developing embryo).