Think twice before eating cracked eggs, here’s why

We all have been there. No matter how careful you have been while transporting eggs, once in a while, one or two might end up cracked. But what do you do with those eggs? Do they go straight to the trash, or do you think they are still salvageable? If you are in the second category, you may want to think twice before eating cracked eggs.

With bird flu concerns, eggs can cost you an arm and a leg these days, especially as egg production has dropped in the U.S. by 4% in November.

Is it okay to eat cracked eggs?

Eggs are a crucial part of our everyday diet. One of the most nutritious foods, eggs certainly contribute to a healthy diet. However, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), they are perishable, like raw meat, poultry, and fish. Even unbroken, clean, and fresh eggs may contain Salmonella Enteritidis (SE) bacteria that can cause foodborne illness. They recommend handling eggs safely, promptly refrigerating, and cooking thoroughly.

When we eat cracked eggs, these bacteria enter the eggs. USDA also advises to never purchase cracked eggs. “If eggs crack during hard cooking, they are safe. Remember that all eggs should be thoroughly cooked,” USDA recommends.

According to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), fresh eggs may contain Salmonella bacteria. This group of bacteria is a common cause of food poisoning in the U.S. The infected individuals will develop diarrhea, fever, abdominal cramps, and vomiting 12 to 72 hours after infection. The symptoms usually last for 4 to 7 days, and in most of them it gets better without treatment. However, in some, it may cause diarrhea and require hospitalization. In such patients, the infection can quickly spread from the intestines to the bloodstream, and other sites, and even cause death, if not treated quickly with antibiotics. Certain categories of people such as children, older adults, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems (such as transplant patients and individuals with HIV/AIDS, cancer, and diabetes) are at greater risk for severe illness.



Things to consider before buying eggs

• Always purchase eggs from a refrigerated case.
• Pick eggs with clean, uncracked shells.
• Don't buy out-of-date eggs.
• Look for the USDA grade shield or mark.
• Refrigerate shell eggs as soon as possible after purchase.(Pic courtesy: iStock)

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