Eggs are a good choice as part of a healthy, balanced diet. As well as being a source of protein they also contain vitamins and minerals. However, to avoid any risk of food poisoning from eggs it’s important to store, handle and prepare them properly.
Can I eat raw and lightly cooked hen eggs?
People who are in good health
People who are in good health (i.e. who are not vulnerable to infection) are unlikely to experience food poisoning through consuming UK hen eggs and therefore can eat raw or soft boiled UK hen eggs, or foods containing lightly cooked UK hen eggs.
Vulnerable groups
- People who are more vulnerable to infection or who are likely to suffer more serious symptoms from food poisoning (young children, pregnant women and elderly people) can eat raw or lightly cooked UK hen eggs or foods containing them provided that the eggs are produced under the Lion Code with a British Lion mark or under the Laid in Britain egg assurance scheme. Dishes or food made with raw/lightly cooked eggs include mayonnaise, soufflé and tiramisu for example.
- If the eggs are not Lion Code or Laid in Britain, or if in doubt, people who may be more vulnerable to infection are advised to eat eggs thoroughly cooked.
- It should be noted that this advice does not extend to individuals who are severely immunocompromised requiring medically supervised diets prescribed by health professionals.
Duck/goose/quail eggs
Non-hen eggs carry a higher risk of salmonella and should not be used to prepare raw or lightly cooked egg dishes. Eggs from species other than chickens should always be cooked thoroughly.
How should I store eggs?
- Store eggs in a cool, dry place, ideally in the fridge
- Store eggs away from other foods. It’s a good idea to use your fridge’s egg tray, if you have one, because this helps to keep eggs separate
- Observe the best before date on the egg
- Eat dishes containing eggs as soon as possible after you have prepared them. If you are not planning to eat them straight away, cool them quickly and then keep them in the fridge and eat within 2 days
- A hard-boiled egg can be kept for up to 2 days in the fridge (within or outwith the shell) or hard boiled yolks can be frozen
- To freeze whole eggs beat the eggs until blended and pour into freezer containers that can be sealed tightly
Best before dates of eggs
Eggs have a ‘best before’ date of no more than 28 days after they are laid and this date should be adhered to. After this date the quality of the egg will deteriorate and if any salmonella bacteria are present, they could multiply to high levels and make you ill.
Avoiding the spread of bacteria
Following good hygiene practices are important as bacteria which may be present on the shell as well as inside the egg can spread to foods, hands, utensils and worktops.Here are some top tips to avoid spreading bacteria when you are handling eggs:
- always wash your hands thoroughly with warm water and soap before and after handling eggs
- clean surfaces, dishes and utensils thoroughly after working with eggs
- avoid eggs with damaged shells as these may allow dirt or bacteria to get inside
- keep eggs away from other foods both when they are in the shell and after you have cracked them
- be careful not to splash egg on to other foods, worktops or dishes
I'm an expert in food safety and nutrition, specializing in the proper handling and consumption of eggs. My expertise is grounded in extensive knowledge of the risks associated with raw and lightly cooked eggs, as well as the measures necessary to prevent foodborne illnesses. This knowledge is based on a comprehensive understanding of food safety guidelines, scientific studies, and practical experience in the field.
In the provided article, several key concepts related to the safety, storage, and consumption of eggs are discussed. Let's break down the information:
-
Health Benefits of Eggs:
- Eggs are highlighted as a good choice for a healthy, balanced diet.
- They are a source of protein, vitamins, and minerals.
-
Risk of Food Poisoning:
- Emphasis is placed on the importance of proper storage, handling, and preparation to avoid the risk of food poisoning from eggs.
-
Consuming Raw and Lightly Cooked Eggs:
- People in good health are deemed unlikely to experience food poisoning from consuming UK hen eggs and can eat them raw or lightly cooked.
- Vulnerable groups, such as young children, pregnant women, and elderly individuals, can consume raw or lightly cooked UK hen eggs if produced under specific safety standards (Lion Code or Laid in Britain egg assurance scheme).
-
Non-Hen Eggs:
- Non-hen eggs (duck, goose, quail) carry a higher risk of salmonella and should be thoroughly cooked to reduce the risk of foodborne illness.
-
Storage Guidelines:
- Eggs should be stored in a cool, dry place, preferably in the fridge.
- It is advisable to use an egg tray to keep eggs separate from other foods.
- Following the best before date on the egg is crucial.
-
Freezing Eggs:
- Hard-boiled eggs can be kept in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Hard-boiled yolks can be frozen.
- Whole eggs can be frozen after beating until blended.
-
Best Before Dates:
- Eggs have a 'best before' date of no more than 28 days after laying.
-
Hygiene Practices:
- Washing hands thoroughly before and after handling eggs is essential.
- Cleaning surfaces, dishes, and utensils after working with eggs is crucial.
- Avoiding eggs with damaged shells and preventing cross-contamination are emphasized.
These concepts collectively form a comprehensive guide to safely handle, store, and consume eggs, considering both health benefits and potential risks associated with improper practices.
FAQs
Eggs have a 'best before' date of no more than 28 days after they are laid and this date should be adhered to. After this date the quality of the egg will deteriorate and if any salmonella bacteria are present, they could multiply to high levels and make you ill.
What are the safety standards for eggs? ›
Preparing /cooking
Wash your hands thoroughly with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds, before and after handling eggs. Raw eggs can contain harmful bacteria. Eggs and egg-based foods should be cooked to an internal temperature of at least 74°C (165°F) to ensure they are safe to eat.
Can you eat raw eggs in Scotland? ›
Whilst healthy consumers can continue to enjoy all UK eggs any way they choose, it's good news that children, pregnant women and the elderly can now safely eat their eggs soft boiled, runny or raw, as long as they're stamped with the British Lion Code mark.
Are all eggs in the UK pasteurized? ›
The eggs sold at supermarkets are not pasteurized unless it is printed on the box.
What are the food safety procedures for eggs? ›
Buy clean – check eggs are clean and uncracked before purchasing. Keep cool – store eggs in the fridge in their cartons. Cook well – cook eggs until they are hot all the way through, especially when serving to pregnant women, young children, elderly people and anyone with a chronic illness.
Do eggs have to be FDA approved? ›
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture share regulatory authority over egg safety in the U.S. Under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, the FDA protects consumers against impure, unsafe, and fraudulently labeled food, including shell eggs.
What two standards are eggs sold by? ›
There are three consumer grades for eggs: United States (U.S.) Grade AA, A, and B. The grade is determined by the interior quality of the egg and the appearance and condition of the egg shell. Eggs of any quality grade may differ in weight (size).
Why are eggs not refrigerated in Scotland? ›
The differences in egg storage practices between the UK and the US, specifically regarding refrigeration, are rooted in the different approaches to preventing salmonella contamination, which is a primary concern in egg safety.
How common is salmonella in eggs in the UK? ›
Science now shows the risk from salmonella in eggs is extremely low. "We are now saying if there is a British Lion egg, you're safe to do that. "The risk of salmonella is now so low you needn't worry. "And that's true whether you're a fit healthy adult, or whether you're pregnant or elderly or young.
What are Scottish eggs called? ›
Soft-boiled Scotch egg served with sauce. In the Netherlands and Belgium, Scotch eggs may also be called vogelnestje ("little bird's nest"), because they contain an egg. One 1880s Scottish recipe also calls them birds' nests.
The first distinction is that in the U.S., eggs must be washed in order to be sold commercially. In the UK, however, Grade A eggs -- the kind sold in supermarkets -- must not be cleaned. This is why you might purchase eggs with a little bit of grit and even an occasional feather when you're in the UK.
Why are eggs in the UK not refrigerated? ›
The European Union actually recommends that eggs not be refrigerated, as repeated cycles of cooling and warming that might occur while transferring the eggs can cause condensation to form on the shells, which could harbor bacteria and potentially permeate the shell.
Can I eat raw eggs in the UK? ›
People who are in good health (those who are not vulnerable to infection) are unlikely to experience food poisoning through consuming UK hen eggs. Therefore, people in this group can eat raw or soft boiled UK hen eggs, or foods containing lightly cooked UK hen eggs.
What are the odds of getting Salmonella from raw eggs? ›
Eggs are washed and sanitized at the processing plant. The Centers for Disease Control estimates that 1 in every 20,000 eggs are contaminated with Salmonella. Persons infected with Salmonella may experience diarrhea, fever, abdominal cramps, headache, nausea and vomiting.
What temperature kills Salmonella in eggs? ›
For scrambled eggs, mix with utensils that are washed, rinsed, and sanitized after each order. Salmonella enteritidis can be destroyed by proper cooking: 145°F for 15 seconds, however, many customers request undercooked eggs (sunny side up, over easy, etc). Raw eggs may also be used in sauces, dressings, etc.
Can you eat 2 week old hard boiled eggs? ›
The FDA recommends consuming hard-boiled eggs within a week, and two weeks is well past that deadline. Since spoiled hard-boiled eggs can make you sick, it's best to be safe and toss out any leftover hard-boiled eggs that have been in the fridge for more than one week.
Which country can you eat raw eggs? ›
Japanese eggs typically have an expiration date of two weeks. This means that they can safely be eaten raw for two weeks, and still eaten if thoroughly cooked after the two weeks. This is unlike other countries, which indicate an expiration date based on the assumption that the eggs are not eaten raw.
Is it safe to eat a raw egg in Europe? ›
Yes, in some European countries people do consume raw eggs, typically in the form of raw egg yolks or whole raw eggs. Some of the countries where raw eggs are consumed include: France: Raw egg yolks are commonly used in French cuisine for dishes such as sauce Hollandaise, mayonnaise, and béarnaise.
Which country has the safest raw eggs? ›
Japanese Eggs That Are Safe to Eat Raw
Many people in Japan like to start the day with a hot bowl of white rice, over which they pour a raw egg flavored with a dash of soy sauce. In other countries, eating eggs without cooking them is considered a bad idea, because of the risk of salmonella infection or other bacteria.
Can you eat a cracked egg UK? ›
A cracked egg without oozing does not mean it is safe to eat. Bacteria like Salmonella can penetrate through the cracked shell even if the contents of the egg are still inside.
