Texas A&M AgriLife extension services experts said that now is a good time to talk about food safety, egg handling and storage, because your backyard flock is laying eggs or is about to lay eggs.

Fresh backyard eggs are stored in retail cartons. (Texas A&M AgriLife Promotion Service is filmed by Adam Russell)

AgriLife Extension poultry expert Dr. Craig Coufal of College Station said that safe handling, cleaning and storage of eggs are important to prevent food-borne diseases related to poultry.

"These are our best suggestions for handling eggs from laying to storage," he said. "They are designed to prevent cross-contamination and maintain egg quality before use."

Coufal also produced a webinar series that provided comprehensive information on backyard chicken flocks, egg production, and recommended egg handling.

Coufal said that clean eggs start in the chicken coop. Remove chicken manure, disinfect the habitat and nest box, and replace the nesting litter regularly.

Coufal says that preventing hens from roosting in nest boxes at night is a good idea to reduce waste accumulation. Clean the nest box regularly to reduce egg contamination. A well-maintained nest can also reduce egg breakage.

Kufar says to collect eggs as quickly as possible. Collecting eggs in time can reduce the possibility of broken or dirty eggs.

"Eggs collected twice a day or at least once a day will be transformed into cleaner and fresher eggs," he said. "The sooner you clean these eggs and store them in the refrigerator, the better."

Coufal said eggs are porous and have active bacteria on the outside, so they should not be immersed or soaked in soapy water.

He said that there are many ways to clean eggs, but the temperature of the cleaning water is a key factor. The washing water must be hotter than eggs. Avoid using detergent or scented cleaners, as they will affect the taste of eggs.

He said that after washing, the eggs should be rinsed with water that is slightly warmer than the washing water. The eggs should be allowed to air dry and then stored.

"This is a simple process that can reduce the chance of foodborne illness," he said.

Coufal said eggs should be refrigerated as soon as possible. Refrigeration can maintain quality and reduce the possibility of bacterial growth.

"There is a lot of discussion about room temperature and refrigeration," he said. "Eggs will naturally degrade faster at room temperature. Eggs stored at room temperature may only be eaten for three weeks, compared to 15 weeks in refrigeration."

He said that eggs should be stored at 45 degrees or below.

According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1,134 people were infected with an outbreak of Salmonella in 2019. Two deaths were reported, one of whom was in Texas.

Most Salmonella cases involve contact with chickens or ducklings, but Coufal says handling eggs can also spread bacteria that are naturally present in the intestines of chickens.

"Proper sanitation is the best way to fight against salmonella," he said. "While handling eggs or chickens, washing the eggs and properly washing hands and using any tools will help prevent contamination."