Survival of inoculated Salmonella on the shell of hens' eggs and its potential significance

► Salmonella Enteritidis can survive on the surface of hens' eggs for up to 54 days. ► Pulsatile recoveries were recorded at 10 and 22 °C, more consistent recovery at 4 °C. ► Inoculated Salmonella was always recovered from eggshells following resuscitation. ► Risks were assessed using Monte Carlo simulation based on experimental results. ► Survival has food safety implications for domestic and commercial food handlers.