Evaluation of ionically cross‐linked chitosan coating aimed at eggs' protection

Chitosan films were prepared in combination with sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP) cross‐linking and were investigated on the prevention for trans‐contamination and preservation of egg quality. The study demonstrated that chitosan films significantly decrease Salmonella enteritidis settlement (from 7% to 0.5%) and penetration of eggshells (from 93 to 58% of penetrated eggs). Due to neither bactericidal action nor bacteriostatic effect of films was observed by the enumeration method, films seem to act as a physical barrier. Moreover, results showed potential applications of coating with properties to preserve the internal quality of eggs: the weight loss is not significantly affected (weight loss remains 4% average after 23 days) and the Haugh unit is significantly higher (26 and 37 were evaluated for eggs uncoated and coated, respectively) in the presence of chitosan film.