"Importance: High": or, "Why You Don't Have A Lot of Eggs This Winter"

[Nick]

The following is an email thread regarding what has become known as The Great Egg Debacle (and which I first learned of in the Ice, White, and Blue blog). 

The Great Egg Debacle is this: 

For many years, probably decades, a bunch of eggs have been flown down to Antarctica just before the stations close for the winter.  The eggs are oiled, so they won't spoil, then refrigerated and rationed  to the omelet-crazed over the course of the winter.  But this year, things were different.  The eggs, typically ordered from New Zealand, were determined unfit for American consumption because the dumb Kiwis don't have the same glorious and correct regulations as U.S. egg shuckers.  So all the eggs were destroyed, and a tiny amount of replacement eggs were sent down, but it was determined that these eggs could not be oiled, so Antarcticans are this winter supposed to stuff their faces with quiches and scrambles for six weeks before all the eggs go bad.

This email thread follows the amazing bureaucratic drama of the eggs in question.

It may seem odd that I reprint the whole thread, because, in one sense, it's boring as shit.  However, there are some worthwhile aspects.

First, in recent years, the Program Director has made a conscious effort to populate the US Antarctic Program with ex-military folks in management positions.  This has caused all manner of conflicts, as by-the-book automatons attempt to reshape the slapdash polar base into Camp Anaconda.  The Great Egg Debacle is just another example of this.  The whole issue of the eggs' questionable safety under Military Egg Regulation 5.73.84 is indiscreetly bellowed across all channels by one of the newer military conscripts, for which the typical bed-wetting response by USAP management is fear followed by action.  The following email thread exemplifies this comedy.  To add even more delight, the new military guy, after bringing up a whole bunch of fears about the eggs, even admits, in classic military style, that he's just covering his ass:

"I would prefer to have your decision on this.  If you ask me for a recommendation, I can only recommend that product on-hand be discarded and not used, and orders be cancelled where possible.  Considering that it's too late in the game to order anything else, if your office would like to take the risk of continued use of this for the current winter-over, it's got to be your decision."

And of course, after hearing this ominous bell toll, the Director of Supply is not going to put his ass in the sling!  So he advises:

"1.      Discard all remaining (243 dozen) oiled shell eggs that are currently in Antarctica.
2.      Purchase only unwashed shell eggs.
3.      Inform contractor that they cannot wash or oil the unwashed eggs after they arrive in Antarctica.
4.      Suspend use of pasteurized egg products except for any use that has a 250 degree or higher processing temperature, until further notice.
5.      Starting next season purchase all pasteurized egg products from an approved U.S. source and ship on the resupply vessel."

In the ensuing snowball of ass-covering, your winter eggs have turned from rare and precious white orbs of delight into poisonous globes of dangerous liability.

In short, management has determined that fresh food is too dangerous for you.

Second,  even if you don't want to read this thread, simply scroll down it real quick.  See how much text there is.  How much time people spent writing, responding, cc'ing, and developing "action points".  You see this?  This is simply about a bunch of eggs.  And this sort of exchange between numerous heads of departments, supervisors, and managers, occurs every single day to make decisions in Antarctica.  Even if it's about a bunch of eggs.  Science?  Some.  Exploration? A little.  Bureaucracy?  Now that's what pays the bills. 

Third, even in the most unconscious business matters, there are brilliant phrases and poetry, such as:

"The kill temperature is 212 degrees Fahrenheit, which is too high for cooking eggs.  Concern is clostridia."

[Nick]

From: Veterinary Officer
Sent: Monday, February 09, 2009
To: […]
Subject: Eggs Problem

Good Morning [G],

I've got a problem with the eggs down on the ice, and need to see if we can get a decision from your end really fast.  The reason for some haste in the response is that as of a few minutes ago, they're holding the winter-over order until they get your position.

Here's the problem:

-Shell eggs are currently purchased from an approved source in New Zealand, however this source is only approved for "unwashed shell eggs", and we have been buying "oiled shell eggs" and some pasteurized egg product.

-There is a problem with buying washed or oiled eggs in that their washing and oiling process does not currently meet US requirements.  If the facility is willing to conduct extensive changes to their process,
there is a chance that it could become approved, but should not be considered as acceptable at this point.

-Regarding the pasteurized egg product.  [J] (procurement officer, Christchurch) was able to show me an e-mail from [F], who was once in my position, dated 11 NOV 02, in which he told [J] that the pasteurization process is approved.  However, he did not make the appropriate change to our report or to the Directory listing. Therefore, after [F] left this position, neither I nor [JM] ever knew that this change should have been made, and did not include the pasteurization in the scope of our audits.  I cannot tell you if the process will pass an audit, as I've never investigated it.  The listing I fell onto was only for unwashed shell eggs.

Complications:

1) Normally, this would be an easy recommendation.  I would recommend that none of the oiled eggs be purchased, and stock on hand not be used until processes are changed in such a way that they will pass an audit. Pasteurized product should not be purchased/used until listing is changed and process is included within normal audits.  I'm hesitating at that recommendation only because they've been using this product for the last 6 years, with no known problems.  That's not saying that it's safe, just that it hasn't been a problem thus far.  Also, shutting them off is going to mean no shell eggs for the entire winter-over, and since they're ordering pasteurized product, they may not have enough egg of any type to get through the winter.  Unfortunately we found this problem now when there is no time to make other plans for the winter-over.

2) The problem with the oiled eggs has multiple facets:

        a) The washing process is not acceptable.  New Zealand law does not require regulation and maintenance of some critical elements of the process.  The potential result is migration of contaminated wash water or chemical sanitizers into the egg.

        b) Oiling of unwashed eggs is not acceptable.  Before they started buying oiled eggs from the current supplier, they were buying unwashed eggs and oiling them on station to extend their life through the winter.  Oiling creates an anaerobic environment on the surface of the egg.  Since the eggs had not been washed, there is a potential for bacterial survival on the surface of the egg.  This is always the case with unwashed eggs, but it's safe because they cannot grow with the presence of air.  However, if there are anaerobic bacteria on the surface, they would be offered the potential to grow once the oil is applied.  Anaerobic bacteria are some real bad ones and can result in fatalities.

All of that said, this is my recommendation:

-Only "unwashed shell eggs" should be purchased.  (During the next regular audit, I will discuss with the manufacturer what steps they must take in order for their washing and/or oiling process to become
approved.)

-Pasteurized egg product should not be purchased until listing is amended and that product is specifically approved.  (Although the process was once approved by Mr. [F], it's been seven years since that happened, and the process has not been audited since then.)

-Product already purchased or on-order:  I would prefer to have your decision on this.  If you ask me for a recommendation, I can only recommend that product on-hand be discarded and not used, and orders be cancelled where possible.  Considering that it's too late in the game to order anything else, if your office would like to take the risk of continued use of this for the current winter-over, it's got to be your decision.

I'm throwing a lot of information at you at once, so please contact me at your earliest convenience if you need more information.

Best Regards,

[Veterinary Officer]

=============================================

From: [G]
Sent: Monday, February 09, 2009
To: […]
Subject: FW: Eggs Problem
Importance: High

[Dr. M]

I received this email late this afternoon.  May we meet tomorrow to discuss this?  I think a negative answer (although perhaps the best response) will likely create a stir on the ice.

Thanks!

[G]

=============================================

From: [Dr. M]
Sent: Tuesday, February 10, 2009
To: [G]
Subject: RE: Eggs Problem

[G]

When you speak to [Veterinary Officer], please ask for answers to the following questions:

1.  What preparation and/or cooking methods would eliminate or mitigate the risk of using the oiled eggs? There is not much that we can do to mitigate this risk because the primary purpose for the shell eggs is for short order food requests (scrambled, fried, etc).  The kill temperature is 212 degrees Fahrenheit, which is too high for cooking eggs.  Concern is clostridia.  The washing and oiling methods used in NZ do not meet U.S. standards; so he cannot recommend their use.

2.  What is the RPSC & NANA supervisor's analysis and recommendation on use of the eggs and egg products?  Neither were aware that this was a problem.  They have been using oiled shell eggs for approximately 7 years without any known problems.  Both RPSC and NANA asked Chief [Veterinary Officer] for his recommendation.

3.  How soon would you be able to inspect the pasteurized egg product production facility in NZ?  Are you able to conduct an audit remotely without an on-site visit, such as by reviewing their written pasteurization procedures?  Chief [Veterinary Officer] has a rather complete/extensive file of information left by Chief [F] on this subject.  He can review that documentation by the end of the week and have a recommendation to us right after that.  However, he will not be able to inspect the facility where the pasteurization takes place until March 20, 2009.  He is out of the area until then.

Please brief me after you've spoken to CW4.  [BS] is not in his office right now.  I'll speak to him as soon as I can.

[Dr. M]

=============================================

From: [G]
Sent: Tue 2/10/2009
To: […]
Subject: RE: Eggs Problem

[Dr. M],

I spoke with Chief [Veterinary Officer].  His answers to your questions are annotated in red font below.

ISSUES:

  1.  Contractor is purchasing oiled shell eggs from a NZ source that has only been approved for purchase of unwashed shell eggs.

  2.  Source previously approved for purchase of pasteurized egg products needs to be re-verified by food inspector to confirm pasteurization process.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

Based on Chief [Veterinary Officer]’s description and recommendations, I recommend OPP take the following actions immediately:

1.      Discard all remaining (243 dozen) oiled shell eggs that are currently in Antarctica.
2.      Purchase only unwashed shell eggs.
3.      Inform contractor that they cannot wash or oil the unwashed eggs after they arrive in Antarctica.
4.      Suspend use of pasteurized egg products except for any use that has a 250 degree or higher processing temperature, until further notice.

5.      Starting next season purchase all pasteurized egg products from an approved U.S. source and ship on the resupply vessel.  These products can be frozen.

I will prepare a more detailed paper for the record and it will be available to you upon request.

[G]

P.S.  I modified the recommendation 4 so that they can use the pasteurized product in baking/casseroles.  Chief [Veterinary Officer] is in agreement with that.

=============================================

From: [Dr. M]
To: […]
Sent: Tue Feb 10 2009
Subject: FW: Egg Problem

[R],

As a food safety measure, shell eggs and pasteurized egg products must not be used at McMurdo or South Pole Stations beginning immediately and lasting until further notice.  The only exception is the use of pastuerized egg products in foods cooked at temperatures exceeding 250 degrees Fahrenheit, such as baked goods.  [BS] has already notified [TE] of this public health measure.

Shell eggs currently stored at McMurdo and South Pole Stations were purchased from a source in New Zeland that is approved only for the purchase of unwashed eggs.  The eggs are coated with oil as a means to postpone spoilage.  The oil coating may also trap harmful bacteria in the eggs.  There is no approved source of oiled shell eggs in New Zealand.  All oiled eggs currently stored at McM or SP stations must be discarded or destroyed.  These eggs may not be used for human consumption.

The pasteurized egg products were acquired from a vendor that was last inspected in 2002.  CW4 [Veterinary Officer] is currently reviewing the vendor's written pasteurization procedures.  He expects to complete his review within 48 hours.  If he is satisfied that the pasteurization process is acceptable, NSF will authorize use of this egg product and purchase of additional quantities from the same vendor.

To prevent any recurrences of this problem, the following steps must be taken:

1.  Purchase only unwashed shell eggs from approved sources.
2.  Instruct RPSC and NANA staff NOT to wash or oil the unwashed eggs after they arrive in Antarctica.
3.  Beginning next austral summer season, consider purchasing all pasteurized egg products from an approved U.S. source.  These products can be frozen and shipped aboard the resupply vessel.

Additional information appears in email string below.  NSF POC for food safety is [G].

[Dr. M]

=============================================

From: [R]
Sent: Wednesday, February 11, 2009
To: […]
Subject: Re: Egg Problem

Interesting discovery.  I will make immediate notifications and follow-up to ensure these restrictions are implemented immediately. Will close the loop with you and [J] upon completion, estimated tomorrow afternoon.

[R]
--------------------------
Sent using BlackBerry

=============================================

From: [Dr. HO]
To: […]
Sent: Tue Feb 10 19:58:16 2009
Subject: RE: Egg Problem -- Possible temporary solution/assistance

Hi [Folks],

A sideline observation: For the past few years MCM has also offered the generic "Eggbeaters Substitute" which comes in 1- or 2-quart sealed containers -- similar to the US. Many Summer folks -- myself included -- request this "Egg Substitute" [mainly protein with a bit of food coloring, and no fat or cholesterol] for our omelets or scrambles in the egg line. Perhaps in the remaining few days of Pole and last 12 days of MCM Summer Season, an extra supply of this type of product could be purchased in NZ and brought to the Ice to allow "eggs" for the entire Winter season. I am not sure how this product works or does not work as an "egg substitute" for bakery goods/purposes.

This could be a good morale factor compared to no eggs at all during the Winter.

Just a thought.

Best regards.

[Dr. HO]

=============================================

From: [Director, Supply Chain Management]
Sent: Wednesday, February 11, 2009
To: […]
Subject: FW: Egg Problem -- Possible temporary solution/assistance
Importance: High

Please see the preceding e-mails regarding the discontinued use of oiled-shelled eggs and pasteurized egg product, and the disposal of on hand stocks.

Please let us know what your plans are for purchasing substitutes for these eggs so we can coordinate delivery before station close.

Here is an excerpt of the NSF directive copied from below.

Based on Chief [Veterinary Officer]’s description and recommendations, I recommend OPP take the following actions immediately:

1.      Discard all remaining (243 dozen) oiled shell eggs that are currently in Antarctica.
2.      Purchase only unwashed shell eggs.
3.      Inform contractor that they cannot wash or oil the unwashed eggs after they arrive in Antarctica.
4.      Suspend use of pasteurized egg products except for any use that has a 250 degree or higher processing temperature, until further notice.
5.      Starting next season purchase all pasteurized egg products from an approved U.S. source and ship on the resupply vessel.  These products can be frozen.......
 
Please keep these addressees in the discussions so appropriate and timely action can be taken to implement these instructions and any recovery actions.

Sincerely,

[Director, Supply Chain Management]
Raytheon Polar Services Company

=============================================

From: [D]
Sent: Wednesday, February 11, 2009
To: [Director, Supply Chain Management]
Subject: RE: Egg Problem -- Possible temporary solution/assistance
Importance: High

[Director, Supply Chain Management],

Just to recap our conversation this morning:

1. We are clear to continue the use of our, previously approved, unwashed shelled eggs that are not oiled.
2. We will segregate the oiled eggs marked "Do Not Use" until I can coordinate with [M] to witness the proper disposal.
3. We are clear to continue "limited" use of the pasteurized liquid egg product until further clarification is given by [Veterinary Officer]. Our limited use will meet the "250 degree or higher processing temperature" requirements. This use will include baking and buffet style eggs for the egg line. We will discontinue the use of this product for omelets to order and scrambled to order until we receive further instruction.
4. We will be faxing you the current purchase orders for all of our oiled eggs for Pole and MCM.
5. I will be sending you [Veterinary Officer]'s contact information.
6. The food service group will be providing an in-depth list of all of the intended uses for the current pasteurized liquid egg product.

These are the action items, as I understood them, please let me know if further actions are required.

[D]

=============================================

From: [D]
Sent: Wednesday, February 11, 2009
To: […]
Subject: RE: Egg Problem -- Possible temporary solution/assistance

Confirmed.

I am actually looking at one of the containers as we type. The product is from Sunny Fresh distributed by: Sunny Fresh foods, Inc. Monticello, MN 55362. I have a feeling that the pastuerized product from NZ was a "back up" in the case that we ever ran out on station. I will look for any evidence of purchase from NZ for a pastuerized product and send you the information. Would you also like PO for the product that comes from the states or is this unnecessary? Would I be correct to assume that we can continue the use of the US product without concern?

[D]

=============================================

From: [Director, Supply Chain Management]
Sent: Wednesday, February 11, 2009
To: [RPSC Health and Safety Manager]
Subject: FW: Egg Problem -- Possible temporary solution/assistance

[RPSC Health and Safety Manager],

The information on the US origin pasteurized eggs.

Sincerely,

[Director, Supply Chain Management]
Raytheon Polar Services Company

=============================================

From: [RPSC Health and Safety Manager]
Sent: Wednesday, February 11, 2009
To: […]
Subject: FW: Egg Problem
Importance: High

Dr. [M], [G],

The food services team on the ice is requesting an e-mail confirmation as to whether or not it is acceptable to utilize the U.S. origin pasteurized eggs that they have on station without the additional limitations (250 degree or higher processing temperature).  The current limitations do not allow the team to use this product for omelets, made to order, and scrambled eggs.

The eggs in question were purchased from Minnesota. (Sunny Fresh foods, Inc. Monticello, MN 55362)

Thank You,

[RPSC Health and Safety Manager]

=============================================

From: [Dr. M]
Sent: Wednesday, February 11, 2009
To: […]
Subject: RE: Egg Problem

[RPSC Health and Safety Manager],

In the attached msg, [G] indicated that the vendor is on the approved list.  This pasteurized egg product may be used without the 250 deg F. requirement currently in effect for other pasteurized egg products.

[Dr. M]

=============================================
 

From: [Dr. M]
Sent: Wednesday, February 11, 2009
To: […]
Subject: RE: Egg Problem
Importance: High

[RPSC Health and Safety Manager],

Based on CW4 [Veterinary Officer]’s recommendation, McMurdo and South Pole stations may resume normal use of pasteurized egg product acquired from Zeagold Foods in Waikouaiti, New Zealand.  The 250 degree F. temperature requirement is cancelled.  Until further notice, pasteurized egg product acquired from a US-based, approved source, such as Sunny Fresh Foods, should be consumed BEFORE the product from NZ is prepared and served.  As previously stated, oiled shell eggs from NZ may NOT be used in any food preparation for any reason.

Please relay this information to the food service managers at McM & SP stations.

[Dr. M]

=============================================

From: [Director, Supply Chain Management]
Sent: Friday, February 13, 2009
To: […]
Subject: FW: Egg Problem
Importance: High

Please see Dr. [M]’s e-mail below regarding the use of pasteurized eggs.

Sincerely,

[Director, Supply Chain Management]
Raytheon Polar Services Company

=============================================
 
From: [W]
Sent: Thursday, February 12, 2009
To: […]
Subject: RE: Egg Problem

Are these eggs considered food waste and can they be allowed to freeze?

=============================================

From: [Director, Supply Chain Management]
Sent: Friday, February 13, 2009
To: […]
Subject: RE: Egg Problem

[Folks,]

Please provide me the number of dozens transferred to waste so we can account for all oiled eggs purchased and received when the final report is provided.

[…]
 
Yes, you may dispose of the eggs as you would other food waste. Destruction is preferred to insure the eggs cannot be recovered if it can be safely accomplished.

Sincerely,

[Director, Supply Chain Management]
Raytheon Polar Services Company

[egg eater]

Has all this yolk business resulted in [G] being pulled from her blog?

[cracked]

Yes.

[Mount Terror]

the egg story made it to the new zealand news

[JinYin_Thew]

Good article on the lack of fresh eggs, but I really have problems when they call McMurdo a New Zealand supplied station. It's 100% American supplied while Scott Base (NZ) relies on the Americans for all supplies as well as flights to get their personnel to the ice. A small detail, but one that really shouldn't have been missed.