This study aimed to formulate carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)–eggshell powder (ESP) composite coatings ( , , and ) and evaluate their efficacy in extending table egg shelf life and preserving quality parameters compared to an uncoated control ( ). Egg weight parameters, interior egg quality, component proportions, and bacterial counts of shell eggs stored under refrigeration for up to 8 weeks. Coating treatments significantly increased total egg weight and shell thickness at (P<0.05), with and recording the highest initial values. Although weight loss and weight loss percentage were non-significant during week 1, significant weight loss emerged by week 2 and scaled proportionally through weeks 4 and 8. The uncoated control ( ) sustained the highest cumulative weight loss, whereas and demonstrated superior long-term weight retention, significantly outperforming by week 8. Interior quality parameters (yolk height, yolk diameter, yolk index, and albumen height/Haugh units) showed no initial significant differences during week 1; however, as storage extended to 2, 4, and 8 weeks, and consistently preserved higher albumen and yolk quality compared to . Coated eggs maintained significantly higher relative shell weights and percentages throughout cold storage, slowing the characteristic reduction in albumen weight and percentage observed over time. Microbiologically, coating treatments exerted an immediate and sustained antibacterial effect ( ), significantly lowering Total Bacterial Count (TBC) and Total Coliform Count (TCC) from zero-time through 8 weeks, with and demonstrating the highest antimicrobial efficacy. Overall, applying CMC–eggshell powder coatings—particularly formulations and —serves as an effective multi-functional barrier to minimize weight loss, preserve interior freshness, and inhibit microbial contamination in refrigerated table eggs during extended storage.
