Projects

Producing Safer Eggs

A major CIFT project has the potential for providing huge economic benefit to Ohio and its institutions, enhancing revenues for Ohio egg producers, all while improving food safety for the American public. The project involves the development and commercialization of an Ohio-developed technology for the sterilization of eggs still in the shell.

The scientific community has long known that ozone has the capacity to kill most pathogenic bacteria, including those that are commonly present on many food products. Recently, researchers from The Ohio State University developed a novel method to integrate ozone with other variables, and demonstrated that this process can produce a shell egg that is completely free of salmonella and other causes of food borne illness.

The University developed this technique in conjunction with a company called EggTech, which is composed of several of Ohio’s leading egg-producing companies. Together, the two entities patented the technology and approached CIFT looking for development and commercialization assistance.

Since its involvement began, CIFT has made major contributions to the commercialization of this technology. Using its own technical expertise and calling on experts from within its network, CIFT designed, developed, and fabricated laboratory equipment to accelerate the work done in the laboratory. With CIFT’s help, the research team was able to optimize the treatment processes required to fully eliminate pathogenic bacteria. This laboratory equipment became the first prototype for larger models to be designed for egg processing plants.

Drawing on its extensive network of member companies and partners, CIFT identified and engaged several design and fabrication companies to become partners to bring the technology to full commercial introduction. A major Ohio builder of food processing equipment is working toward the final designs of the equipment for both egg production facilities and for restaurants and other institutions. Within the very near future, both versions of the equipment should be on the market. Ohio’s producers will be the first to market with certifiably pathogen free eggs, providing them with enhanced revenues for their products. EggTech, O.S.U., and the Ohio manufacturers of the equipment will experience increased revenues from the use of their patent, and Ohio’s reputation as a center for innovative food processing technology will be advanced. Each of these outcomes was made possible by interactions with the CIFT program.

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