Is It Dangerous to Eat Raw Eggs?
Eggs are nutritious and a good source of protein. Is it safe to eat raw eggs?
More people are aware of the dangers of food borne illness and are taking precautions to protect the health of their family. Although the importance of thoroughly cooking meat to kill bacteria that could cause food poisoning is emphasized, less attention is given to the common breakfast food, the egg. While most people cook their eggs before eating them, some body builders and other fitness buffs enjoy adding raw eggs to their fitness drinks for added protein. Is this a safe practice? Is it dangerous to eat raw eggs?
A great deal of controversy surrounds the issue of whether it’s safe to eat raw eggs. Some experts emphasize that the risk of getting a food borne illness from raw eggs is very small. The main concern is that raw eggs could contain a bacteria known as Salmonella enteritidis which is known to cause food poisoning. Statistics show that only about one in thirty thousand eggs contain this bacteria, but there’s no way to tell by looking at it whether you have a “bad egg”. Some people don’t believe that even this small risk is worth jeopardizing their health for and choose to eat only cooked eggs.
Although Salmonella enteritidis is usually found in the egg yolk, even the white portion of the egg may not be immune from contamination. The only way to avoid a health threat is avoid eating raw eggs, and instead, cook them to at least 160 degrees Farenheit, which is sufficient to kill bacteria that can cause food borne illness.
Certain populations may be more susceptible to the effects of raw egg contamination. People who have weakened immune systems, children, the elderly, and pregnant women run a higher risk than the general population of succumbing to food borne illness when they eat raw eggs. These populations should be particularly cognizant of cooking eggs until they’re completely done.
One way to eliminate the risk of food borne illness is to use products such as Egg Beaters which have been pasteurized. This kills any bacteria that could lead to food borne illness, plus you can benefit from the lower calorie and fat content. Liquid Egg Beaters can be added to shakes and other drinks to increase the protein content without cooking them. This is a nice substitute if you feel the need to eat raw eggs.
The bottom line? The risk is small when you eat raw eggs, although the more often you eat them, the greater your risk of developing a case of food poisoning which could be life threatening. Overall, it’s probably best from a health standpoint to cook your eggs or use Egg Beaters.
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Edward J Rodrigues | Mar 6, 2009 | Reply
But raw eggs are healthy right..
Kairos | Mar 6, 2009 | Reply
I like raw eggnog. but since the salmonella scare, I quit. I will try again sometime.
Coronet714 | Mar 6, 2009 | Reply
I’ve been drinking a raw egg protein shake, but I’ll now try Egg Beaters as a viable substitute. Thanks for the tip!
Wojtek | Mar 23, 2009 | Reply
People seem to forget about bird flu which can be easily transmited through raw eggs. The European Union policies advise against eating raw eggs because of this possibility. Bon apetit
Caring Cook | Apr 24, 2009 | Reply
I am curious about why using pasteurized shell eggs aren’t mentioned here. Apparently they are treated in a series of water baths that kill Salmonella, Avian Influenza (bird flu) and more.
They seem to be a perfect option!
They are called Davidson’s Safest Choice Pasteurized Shell Eggs. To learn more about them visit http://safeeggs.com/
It appears that if this product isn’t currently available in your area they have a link to request them from your retailer. http://safeeggs.com/consumers/petition.html
I have young children and have been using these eggs for many years, even when I was pregnant! I use them for making raw cookie dough, french toast, soft cooked eggs, ice cream, caesar salad dressing, mayonnaise, and other recipes.
I use Egg Beaters too, but you can’t use them in the same way as a shell egg i.e. In Eggs Benedict, Hollandaise Sauce, Fried Eggs, etc.
My main concern is to provide my family with safe and nutritious foods. I think these eggs fit the bill!
I would like to know your opinion for serving them to young kids, pregnant women, older parents/grandparents etc.
Bette | Apr 24, 2009 | Reply
I think that the pasteurized shell eggs are great.
When it comes to my family, I choose to go the extra step and make sure it’s healthy and safe.
According to the FSIS, the risks are more like 1 in 10,000 eggs. If I could identify the egg with harmful bacteria in it, I wouldn’t be concerned!
I am reading about the swine flu cases in California, Texas and Mexico City. There is a relationship to avian influenza and that makes me more uncomfortable. (And there was also a recall on organic eggs at Safeway and Costco stores. It was because of salmonella.)
I’ll spend the extra couple of bucks — it’s just a small percentage of my overall food bill — for pasteurized eggs. I think they taste great!
m. Michael Crown | Sep 24, 2009 | Reply
It is dangerous NOT to take raw eggs, as they are best source of protein, amino acids and extremely health building. I take 3-5 a day along with nutritional yeast, and I feel very strong from them. We must be very strong to defeat teh evil ones and their banking/corporate/socialist conspiracy lead by the Rothschilds.
Eggs also have DHA, hard to get, very important for the brain.
They want us to be stupid, that’s why they lie about eggs being a problem.
libertyson11@yahoo.com
Jow | Sep 29, 2009 | Reply
Why in gods green earth is everyone lately some anti-capitalist and/or anti-jew? Its getting pretty ridiculous when even a website carrying information about eating raw eggs has some sort of Rothschild reference in the comments.
Anyway, my laziness wants me to make some ultra powerful shake that I can prepare in minutes before classes and have all the nutrients I need for the entire day. (even if my taste buds will probably hate having instant coffee with yogurt, milk, bananas, blueberries, eggs, and pineapple all blended with ice)
Bob | Dec 6, 2009 | Reply
I have a belly button
johnny | Jan 21, 2010 | Reply
poop pooo
jill | Jan 21, 2010 | Reply
i like poop too