Eggs Shelf Life Increased
CARI Develops Egg Spray
New Delhi: With increasing awareness among people, the demand for eggs is rising, as eggs are rich in essential nutrients and highly beneficial for health. Due to this demand, poultry farmers are earning well, and this revenue could increase further if eggs do not spoil quickly. However, eggs are prone to spoilage, making them unfit for sale and causing losses for poultry farmers. Eggs often spoil during transportation, collection, and storage.
To address this issue, scientists at the Central Avian Research Institute (CARI) have developed a herbal spray that significantly increases the shelf life of eggs. Dr. Jagdeep Rokde, a scientist from the institute's Post-Harvest Technology Department, shared that this herbal spray was developed after a year of intensive research.
A Protective Layer to Block Bacteria
Dr. Rokde explained that an egg contains 15,000 to 16,000 tiny pores. Within the first few hours after being laid, 300 to 400 of these pores remain open. Over 3 to 4 days, about 70% of these pores remain open, allowing bacteria to enter and spoil the egg. To combat this, a protective layer has been developed to block bacteria from entering. Spraying this solution on the eggs creates this protective shield, keeping them safe for a longer duration.
Dual Protection for Eggs
Since eggs are consumable, scientists ensured that the solution is chemical-free. Using herbs, they developed a spray called Egg Shield. This spray works in two ways:
1. It kills bacteria present on the egg's surface.
2. It forms a protective coating over the egg, preventing bacteria from entering through the pores.
Extended Shelf Life of Eggs
Typically, in summer, eggs kept outside a refrigerator last for about a week. However, with this spray, their shelf life increases to four weeks. Eggs stored in a refrigerator usually spoil within 21 to 22 days, but with this spray, they can last up to 60 to 90 days without spoiling.
Market Availability and Cost
Egg production in northern India is relatively low, and eggs are often transported from states like Telangana and Maharashtra, making them more prone to spoilage. This spray can help preserve eggs during transit and storage. The cost of the spray is kept affordable, at ₹70 to ₹90 per liter, to encourage widespread use. Generally, eggs are stored in trays, and only 2 to 2.5 ml of spray is needed per tray, making the cost per egg negligible. The spray is expected to be available in the market by January 2025.
Courtesy: https://livestockanimalnews.com/eggs-wont-spoil-for-90-days-if-stored-cari-makes-egg-spray-egg-spray-cari-poultry/
