bleach in sanitizing solution for eggs

[TN Henny Penny]

IF we decide to sell eggs to the public, the state requires sanitizing with an unscented bleach solution (20-500 ppm). I don't understand. I've been reading about the porous shells and don't like the idea of bleach solution getting into the egg? I also have no idea where to purchase unscented bleach. Can anyone shed some light on this? For our own use, we'll just store the clean ones (most of them) without washing.

 

[Saltysteele]

i saw in the farm tek catalog, a egg cleaning kit with an egg cleaning powder to add to the water and an air pump (for agitation, i'm assuming).

 

[bgelber]

You can buy unscented bleach almost anywhere. Regular clorox is considered unscented.

Not sure of the effects on the eggs. Maybe someone with more experience than me will chime in. But I will do some research.


I found this, maybe it will help you.

Lightly soiled eggs may be used for sale only if:

eggs are either lightly sanded to remove small areas of dirt OR
eggs are carefully washed in potable water 20°F warmer than the egg temperature and at least 90°F, using only sanitizers* approved for egg washing. Place eggs in suspended colander and rinse without submersing them in the wash solution. Eggs must be dried immediately afterwards. Sanded eggs must not be washed.

* bleach solution made of ½ oz of household bleach (5% sodium hypochlorite) in 1 gallon of water may be used.

 

[TN Henny Penny]

Thanks for the info. I had no idea that bleach off the store shelf is considered 'unscented' - packs quite a wallop of smell to my nose! I guess in contrast to the lavender, etc. scented versions it is considered unscented? I'll give that proportion of bleach dilution (1/2 oz to 1 gallon of water) a try.

 

[gritsar]

I checked with our local agricultural extension office here since I wanted to start selling eggs at the farmer's market and not just to friends, neighbors and co-workers.

The egg-spert told me that all is required here is that there is no visible manure on the eggs (though I have seen them for sale at the farmer's co-op with lots of it

). Egg-spert suggested a piece of fine grit sandpaper, but I use a green scrubbie instead. I sanitize the scrubbie with bleach once a week, more often if dirty looking. I refuse to use bleach on the eggs themselves.

 

[Denninmi]

I wash all of my eggs in weak bleach solution. I don't notice any bad effects, and I like the idea of it surface sterilizing the shells. Not selling them, though, just personal use or giving to the family.

I especially think its a good idea on duck eggs, since they're usually more likely to be dirty than hen eggs.

 

[TN Henny Penny]

Quote:
Had to laugh when I read about the poopy eggs at the farmer's co-op in your post. Someone here told me that perhaps a little poo on the eggs makes buyers think that they are more authentically 'home grown'!

I think we'll make sure the manure is removed before placing them in cartons, for us or for buyers!!!

 

[TN Henny Penny]

Quote:
I think we'll start doing this for the eggs found in the coop. Most are nicely in the fresh straw in the nesting boxes, but we find a couple each day in one corner of the coop. We're considering some measure to make that corner less appealing for those stubborn hens - like maybe planting a cactus?

 

[JodyJo]

Quote:
I did some research also you can also use vinegar, 3 parts to water...by using the warm water the pores of the egg, will push out the dirt...using cold water actually makes the eggs "contract" and pull in the dirt. Eggs you buy in the store are cleaned with chlorine, and then coated with mineral oil, we aren't supposed to consume that...nice huh?

 

[gogoalie]

Perhaps you could consult with a lawyer, & inquire 'bout the USDA's "Direct Marketing" rules...seems as though that Joe Salatin of Polyface Farms gets by without what seems like regulations that you'd see in a factory setting.