Effect of cold atmospheric pressure plasma treatment of eggshells on the total bacterial count inoculated <i>Salmonella</i> Enteritidis and selected quality parameters
Maike Moritz, Claudia Wiacek, Thomas Weihe, Jörg Ehlbeck, Klaus‐Dieter Weltmann, Peggy G. Braun
Abstract
Abstract In the European Union, foodborne outbreaks caused by Salmonella Enteritidis, related to eggs and egg products, have even been reported in 2018. Atmospheric pressure plasma is becoming increasingly important as a decontamination method. A semidirect cold atmospheric pressure plasma, the flexible electrode plasma source, was developed for treating whole hen's eggs. An average reduction of 1.16 and 0.95 log colony‐forming units (CFU)/egg was achieved for the total bacterial count of clean and dirty eggs, respectively. An inactivation of 4.1 log CFU/egg Salmonella Enteritidis was achieved with artificially inoculated eggshells. Selected quality parameters and sensory properties were analysed. Overall, the present study yielded promising results for a realistic implementation of an industrial prototype plasma source.