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Safe handling of eggs from your backyard flock
Eggs can contain harmful bacteria including Salmonella. Salmonella bacteria can be on the shell or inside the egg. Always wash your hands with soap and water immediately after collecting eggs or working in the chicken coop. For your protection follow these instructions for collecting and cleaning eggs:
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Maintain cleanliness
Maintain clean and dry nest boxes, change nest material as needed to reduce dirty eggs. Gather eggs at least once daily.
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Clean eggs after collection
Clean eggs soon after collection, but only if soiled. Minimal cleaning preserves the natural protective coating.
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Acceptable egg cleaning methods
- Spot clean or lightly sand the stains or small dirty spots with sand paper.
- Quickly rinse with warm running water using a spray bottle, then immediately wipe dry with a single disposable paper towel.
- Do not soak eggs or use detergents or cleaners not approved for egg cleaning.
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Sanitation and refrigeration
Eggs are a perishable food, so cleaned eggs must be held under sanitary conditions and refrigerated at 45º F or less at all times.
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Wash your hands
Thoroughly wash hands before and during egg handling to minimize cross-contamination of finished eggs.
Resources
- Safe handling of eggs from your backyard flock (169 KB; placards for printing and posting)
- Small Farm & Direct Marketing (WA State Department of Agriculture)