New detection system promises high quality eggs

US researchers have developed a new device to detect small cracks in fresh eggs, known as microcracks, that often go unnoticed during grading.

According to scientists at Agricultural Research Service’s Egg Safety and Quality Research Unit, the prototype pressure chamber and camera could assist the fresh egg industry in detecting microcracks.

The chamber works by pulling the eggshell outwards to expose any existing cracks. And the camera system then takes a photograph before and also while the crack is open, to see if the shell is cracked.

While human graders visibly inspect eggs for defects, many processing plants use high frequency analysis to “listen” for any cracks that may be present.

However, as the microcracks are so small they can easily go undetected but they can develop into cracks during transport. The new detection system would ensure consumers receive high quality eggs.