Developing Evidence-based Handling Guidelines for Improving the Safety of Free-range Poultry Eggs

In thisStrengthening Seedgrant, we propose to conduct pilot studies to develop evidence-based and cost-effective egg handling guidelines and educational materials for small-scale egg producers in our region to reduce the risk of foodborne illness.The aims of this proposal are:1) Determine the prevalenceand genomic characteristicsofSalmonellain chicken eggs from small-scale farms in Rhode Island and Connecticut.2) Determine the efficacy of common egg washing methods to reduce total bacterial load andSalmonellaon chicken eggs.3) Develop outreach and educational programs to train the farmers in proper egg handling and food safety.