Risk Assessment of Shell Eggs Internally Contaminated with Salmonella Enteritidis
Background
In August 2011, Health Canada's Food Directorate completed a risk assessment focussed on Salmonella Enteritidis in shell eggs that provides estimates of the risk to human health and the effectiveness of risk management options.
The risk assessment was conducted to determine the health risks associated with the consumption of Canadian grade A eggs internally contaminated with S. Enteritidis. The results of the risk assessment demonstrated that 96% of exposures are from eggs handled under ideal storage and handling conditions and these are responsible for 49% of human illnesses. Only 0.6% of exposures are from eggs handled under the most abusive time/temperature conditions. These findings suggested that risk management options targeting both contaminated egg prevalence and the number of illnesses that result from an S. Enteritidis-contaminated egg would be appropriate.
This risk assessment also directed the development of a guidance document, Health Canada Guidance on Reducing the Risk of Salmonella Enteritidis in Shell Eggs Produced in Canada in ongoing efforts to reduce the risk of foodborne illness due to S. Enteritidis in shell eggs.
Risk Assessment
To obtain an electronic copy of the document, Risk Assessment of Shell Eggs Internally Contaminated with Salmonella Enteritidis, please contact our publications office or send an e-mail to publications@hc-sc.gc.ca with the subject heading "HPFB BMH Risk Assessment of Shell Eggs Internally Contaminated with Salmonella Enteritidis-eng".