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

Summary 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.