Eggs—whether scrambled, poached, or sunny side up—are a breakfast staple for many of us. But with the recent salmonella outbreak affecting 65 people across 9 states, it’s got everyone wondering: are your eggs still safe to eat? If you’re worried about cracking open your next dozen, let’s break down what you need to know to stay safe and still enjoy your morning omelet.
What’s Happening with the Salmonella Outbreak?
According to recent reports, 65 people have fallen ill from salmonella linked to contaminated eggs, with cases spread across nine states. For most people, salmonella infection can cause symptoms like diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps, typically lasting 4-7 days. While most healthy adults recover without medical treatment, the infection can be more severe for vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.
But before you panic and swear off eggs forever, it’s important to know that the risk of getting sick can be minimized with a few smart food safety tips.
How Does Salmonella Get Into Eggs?
Salmonella can contaminate eggs in two ways: it can be present inside the egg before the shell forms, or it can be transferred to the egg from contaminated surfaces during handling or packaging. That means even eggs with clean, uncracked shells can potentially harbor the bacteria, making proper handling and cooking critical to preventing illness.
How to Keep Your Eggs Safe
If you’re like most people, you probably don’t want to give up eggs completely. The good news is that there are several steps you can take to ensure your eggs are safe to eat.
1. Cook Eggs Thoroughly
The best way to kill salmonella is by cooking your eggs until both the yolk and white are firm. That means skipping the raw cookie dough (sorry!) and making sure your scrambled eggs, omelets, or fried eggs are cooked well. If you’re eating out, make sure to order eggs that are fully cooked to reduce your risk.
2. Avoid Cross-Contamination
Salmonella can spread easily from eggs to other foods or surfaces. Always wash your hands, utensils, cutting boards, and countertops with hot soapy water after handling raw eggs to prevent cross-contamination.
3. Store Eggs Properly
Keep eggs refrigerated at 40°F (4°C) or lower to prevent the growth of bacteria. Don’t leave eggs or egg-containing foods out at room temperature for more than two hours.
4. Check the Source
Whenever possible, purchase eggs from trusted sources, such as local farmers or well-known brands that follow strict safety protocols. Also, check your eggs for any recalls—if a batch is contaminated, the producer should issue a recall to prevent the spread of illness.
5. Consider Pasteurized Eggs
If you prefer runny yolks or need raw eggs for a recipe (think homemade Caesar dressing or mayo), consider using pasteurized eggs. These eggs have been heated to a temperature that kills bacteria without cooking the egg, making them safe to consume raw or lightly cooked.
What to Do If You Get Sick
If you think you’ve been exposed to contaminated eggs and experience symptoms like diarrhea, fever, or stomach cramps, it’s essential to stay hydrated. Most people recover from salmonella without needing antibiotics, but if symptoms are severe or you belong to a high-risk group, seek medical attention.
Egg Safety Tips for Everyone
Eggs are a nutritious, affordable, and versatile food, and they don’t need to be removed from your diet just because of a salmonella outbreak. However, practicing proper food safety is key to enjoying eggs without the risk. Here’s a quick recap of how to keep your eggs safe:
- Cook eggs thoroughly: No runny yolks or whites!
- Avoid cross-contamination: Clean surfaces and utensils after handling raw eggs.
- Store eggs properly: Keep them refrigerated and avoid leaving them out.
- Know your egg source: Buy from reputable producers.
- Use pasteurized eggs if you want to enjoy them raw or lightly cooked.
The Bottom Line: Enjoy Eggs, Just Safely
While the recent salmonella outbreak has caused concern, eggs are still safe to eat if handled and cooked properly. By following a few basic food safety practices, you can continue enjoying all your favorite egg-based meals without worry.
So go ahead—whip up those scrambled eggs, bake that cake, and make that omelet! Just be sure you’re handling and cooking your eggs the right way to keep yourself and your family safe from any potential risks.