Evaluation of the Use of Propolis and Sodium Hypochlorite as Methods to Control the Contamination of Free-Range Eggs

There is a high demand for free-range eggs, although these systems may offer a greater microbiological challenge.Therefore, the aim with this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of 30% propolis extract and 1% sodium hypochlorite in reducing the microbiological contamination of free-range eggs.Eighteen eggs were divided into three groups-treated with propolis, hypochlorite and a control-and tested for mesophilic bacterial count.For the eggshells treated by propolis, the average count was 0.6 log CFUmL -1 , for hypochlorite it was 1.3 log CFUmL -1 and for the control it was 3.26 log CFUmL -1 .It can be concluded that both methods were effective, with propolis being more efficient.