Sale of eggs unsuitable for human consumption in the central Andes of Peru

The Andean region of Peru requires economic and safe protein sources. The eggs are capable to satisfy this demand, but the altitude of this region does not allow the development of poultry farms, so they must be transported from remote areas. The aim of this study was to show the sale of chicken eggs that are unsuitable for human consumption based on the integrity of the shell and the height of the air chamber (AC) in the central highlands of Peru. For this, in May-June 2014, 146 eggs from similar number of retails shops in the provinces of Jauja and Huancayo in Junin region (3300 mals) were evaluated. Results showed that 17.8% (26/146) of eggs were unsuitable for direct human consumption, but suitable for human consumption industries, and 0.7% (1/146) were unsuitable for direct and indirect human consumption, according to current Peruvian technical standards. Eggs suitable for human consumption were classified as a first, second and third quality, 5% (8/146), 56.2% (82/146) and 19.9% (29/146), respectively. If taken into account the valid norm at the moment of the analysis, the unsuitable eggs frequency would be higher, 38.4% (56/146). These results reflect the poor health surveillance of chicken eggs at retail in Peruvian highlands and the need for studies that consider egg freshness parameters and microbiological risk.