IMPACT OF SUMMER CONDITIONS ON THE QUALITY PARAMETERS OF TABLE EGGS IN SUPERMARKETS

4th International Symposium On Biotechnology (2026),  [pp. 685-694]
 
AUTHOR(S) / АУТОР(И): Nataša Tolimir , Marijana Maslovarić , Stefana Urbancl , Miloš Lukić , Jelena Nedeljković Trailović , Vladimir Zornić , Zdenka Škrbić
 
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.46793/SBT26.685T

ABSTRACT / САЖЕТАК:

The aim of the research was to determine the quality characteristics of eggs in retail stores on the Belgrade market during two summer seasons characterized by high temperatures. The research was conducted over two consecutive years (2024 and 2025) and included all grade M eggs available in retail chains (10) on the market. External and internal egg quality traits were analyzed, including egg weight, yolk color, Haugh units, shell thickness, and shell cleanliness, and evaluated by year and within two egg age categories (1–7 and 8–15 days). The average temperature during the experimental period was 27.6°C in 2024 and 25.4°C in 2025. Based on the results of the study, Haugh unit values ranged from 60.1 in 2024 to 68.4 in 2025. Compared to the other analyzed quality characteristics, Haugh units units exhibited the greatest sensitivity to high temperatures during summer months, while the effects of year, egg age, and their interaction were statistically significant. The obtained results indicate potential critical points in the ‘farm-to-consumer’ supply chain, highlighting the need for systematic monitoring of egg quality in retail stores, particularly during the summer months, in order to maintain it. The findings also underscore the importance of educating all stakeholders in the food supply chain, including consumers, to maintain egg safety and nutritional value under more frequent climate extremes.

KEYWORDS / КЉУЧНЕ РЕЧИ:

egg quality, retail stores, supermarket, summer

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT / ПРОЈЕКАТ:

The research presented in this article is part of the research financially supported by the Ministry of Science, technological development and innovation of the Republic of Serbia, under contracts: 451-03-33/2026-03/ 200045, 451-03-33/2026-03/200022, 451-03-34/2026-03/200143 and 451-03-33/2026-03/ 200217.

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