Research Note: Penetration of Ozone Gas Across the Shell of Hen Eggs

Abstract

Increasing evidence indicates that ozone gas is effective against Salmonella on and within shell eggs. However, information on the penetration of ozone across egg shell is limited. In this study, whole hen egg shells, filled with indigotrisulfonate solution (OD₆₀₀ ∼1), were exposed to ozone gas (12–14% wt/wt O₃ in O₂) at 1.5 liters/min and atmospheric pressure for ≤ 40 min with appropriate controls. Ozone penetrated the shells over time (r² = 0.9974) causing indigo decoloration and increasing its transmittance from 16 to 28% after gas exposure for 40 min. This study confirms ozone penetration through egg shell using a simple qualitative technique.

Keywords:

• Ozone
• Egg Shells
• Eggs
• Indigotrisulfonate
• Ozone Measurement
• Gas Diffusion

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The authors would like to thank Egg Tech Limited, the Ohio Agricultural Research & Development Center (OARDC), and USDA–FSIS for the financial support provided to complete this study.