An egg is a fragile product, despite its hard shell, and must be handled with great care. As such, eggs should be packaged properly before storing and shipping. Doing this ensures that they are protected from microorganisms, moisture, tainting and excessive temperatures.
Packaging material
Eggs breathe and so whichever packaging material you choose should allow oxygen to pass through. Also, the material should be spotless and odourless so that tainting and contamination can be prevented. Generally, the material can be reused if it is still clean and not damaged.
Packaging Types
Eggs can be packaged in several different ways and with a different material.
1. Egg Basket
If you package your eggs with chopped straw, rice husk or wheat chaff, it will decrease shell damage. Once packed, keep the eggs in a firm basket but make sure you have cushioned it well. Generally, this packaging is good only when you are transporting the eggs over short distances.
2. Filler Tray
Filler tray is one of the most common ways to pack eggs; when done, several of these trays are placed together in cases or boxes. A filler tray is specially designed to hold the egg in a fixed position. The design also ensures that each tray can be kept in a stack, and placed in other boxes as well, which are usually made from wood or cardboard. If using the latter, make sure the bottom box is not subjected to excessive weight. Cover the trays with plastic as well for safer storage and easier inspection, without having to touch the eggs.
A filler tray is usually made of wood pulp or plastic, and can hold 36 eggs as standard. Plastic is more preferable because the trays can be washed and reused. Filler trays are highly preferable because of the convenience involved; plus, the eggs can be counted easily as well.
3. Egg Boxes
An egg package is much smaller than a filler tray, and can only accommodate around 2 to 12 eggs. It is made from moulded wood or paperboard. As with filler trays, cover the eggs with a plastic film after packaging them.
Storing the Eggs
If you are planning to store your eggs, make sure you meet the following conditions. In certain areas, eggs must be stored at lower temperatures to prevent deterioration. Temperatures around 10 to 13 degrees centigrade are generally preferable, but may require refrigeration.
- Store clean eggs without washing them.
- Use a new and odourless material for packaging eggs.
- Cushion the eggs well, but pack them such that they can breathe.
- Make sure that there is little water loss due to evaporation.
- Keep the eggs in a room without tainting materials. Also clean the place regularly with odourless detergents and sanitisers
- Maintain constant temperatures and humidity levels within the room. Air circulation should be good as well.
