Changes in the quality of table eggs depending on storage method and time

Abstract

The aim of the research was to determine the changes occurring in table eggs depending on storage time at room temperature and in refrigeration conditions. The experimental material consisted of 75 eggs, which were randomly divided into five groups of 15. The first group (the control) comprised fresh eggs, which were tested on the day they were collected. The remaining 60 eggs were divided into two groups (30 eggs in each) and stored under different conditions for a period of 28 days. Eggs from the first group (I) were stored at room temperature, which was about 20°C with 50% humidity. Eggs from the second group (II) were placed in cold storage at 4°C and about 30% humidity. After 14 and 28 days of storage, the physicochemical properties of the eggs were analysed: the height of the air space, egg density, egg weight loss, albumen and shell quality, and yolk colour. The results indicate that the storage method had a significant (P≤0.05) effect on most of the egg quality traits analysed. Eggs stored at 4°C were of good quality and were classified as EXTRA class eggs even after 28 days. Eggs stored at 20°C were eliminated as Class A eggs as early as day 14, and on day 28 their quality disqualified them as fit for consumption. To sum up, food eggs should be refrigerated before being sold to the consumer to prevent premature ageing and thus deterioration of quality.