Eggs: Are raw eggs safe to eat?

Eggs are a popular food, and something you can find in almost every South African household.

The average person eats 277 of them per year, says Healthline. Fried, scrambled, poached, or baked are some of the ways to have them – but what about eating them raw?

Is a raw egg safe to eat?

Just like chicken, the raw product could carry salmonella. While rare, salmonella is a potentially deadly condition.

Here’s what to know about the debate.

EGGS: IS A RAW EGG SAFE TO EAT?

Raw poultry can carry salmonella, according to the CDC website.

Fully cooked chicken products reduce potential risk, including drumsticks and eggs. Nausea and stomach upsets are some of its symptoms – and this is why it’s always recommended to fully cook chicken.

The same that applies to chicken, applies to the rest.

Always fully cook them, and avoid contact between raw egg and other products. Wash your hands when cooking, to guarantee that nothing spreads.

Don’t eat one raw if you can help it.

Check that your food is fully cooked, including meat and poultry products.

EGGS AND SALMONELLA

According to the CDC, 1 in 20, 000 eggs contains potential salmonella.

Preventative measures have made salmonella less common. This doesn’t mean that raw chicken products are safe, though.

Always cook eggs and chicken products fully.

A salmonella infection could lead to nausea, dehydration, and vomiting.

EGGS IN SOUTH AFRICA

South Africa has a vibrant and busy industry.

Eggs are one of our most consumed food items, zipping across tables in their thousands. Without it, no breakfast would be the same – and baking is different!

Take care with anything that contains it, making sure it is fully cooked!

MORE ABOUT SA’S POULTRY INDUSTRY

South Africans might remember when almost all poultry products were in short supply this year.

The good news: there’s no shortage now, and food prices should be back to normal. The average person eats about 150 of them each year, says Farmers Weekly.

That’s about three per day.