Salmonella egg survey in Hawaii: evidence for routine bacterial surveillance.

One hundred and six dozen eggs, representing 12 brands, were purchased from Oahu supermarkets and cultured for Salmonella using standard FDA (Food and Drug Administration) microbiological techniques. Two enrichment incubation temperatures were used to improve culture sensitivity. Ten cartons (9.4 percent) of the 106 dozen samples had shells positive for Salmonella. Seven of the 10 were traced to a single egg processor. Inspection of the facility led to the discovery of malfunctioning equipment used in the egg washing and sanitation process.