Can eating eggs daily cause food poisoning? Here's the truth

Eggs are a powerhouse of nutrition, high in protein, vitamins, and essential minerals. In fact, they form a very great part of diets in many places. Most nutritionists suggest that eggs should be consumed daily as theyt are loaded with complete amino acids. But, the question of consuming them daily has raised questions time and again. Sometimes people say that it can cause food poisoning. But, is it true? Here is what you must know about how to safely eat eggs daily and minimize risks in the process.

Food poisoning from eggs
Some relate eggs to food poisoning, most especially salmonella infection. Food poisoning symptoms include diarrhea, stomach cramps, fever, and vomiting. Salmonella bacteria can be on the eggshell or even inside the egg if the hen was infected.

Can you get food poisoning from eating eggs every day?
The risk of food poisoning from eggs largely depends on how they are stored, handled, and prepared. In fact, eggs are not something that can cause food poisoning to someone who consumes them daily but rather the manner in which contaminated or undercooked eggs are consumed. Here are some factors that contribute to egg-related foodborne illness:

Inadequate Cooking: Raw or undercooked eggs put a person in greater risk of developing salmonella infection. Of course, there are several foods that have raw eggs, for example, salad dressing, home-made mayonnaise, or dessert items that have mousse-like look.
Cross-contamination: Laxity in the cooking area, for example by using a tool or a surface that has been used with raw eggs to cook the other ones without first cleaning it, is a very minor action that can lead to cross-contamination.
Storage Issues: Leaving the eggs in room temperature creates an easy way for bacteria to thrive. It is best to put eggs in the refrigerator so as much bacteria can be avoided.
Handling Habits: Handling eggs with unwashed hand or cracked shell would definitely allow entry for bacteria. An egg which has a broken shell or is dirty is not good to eat.

Safety Measures to Minimize Risk
Following these safety measures would minimize the chance of food poisoning from eggs:

Cook Eggs Thoroughly: The yolk and white should be hard. Cook eggs until an internal temperature is achieved of 160°F (71°C) or more.
Use Pasteurized Eggs: This also safer because raw or undercooked eggs are used and pasteurized eggs have been processed for heat treatment for the killing of bacteria.
Refrigerate Right Away: Keep eggs in the refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or above and shouldn't be left for too long.
Check freshness: Reject eggs which show cracks or dirt present or are past their expiry dates.
Hygiene practice: Wash hands, utensils, and surfaces thoroughly after coming into contact with raw eggs. Eggs are a rich source of various health benefits including proteins and vitamins.
However, if eggs are cooked hygienically, then they can possess a number of health benefits. Being an important source of high-quality protein, eggs contain all essential amino acids, vitamins B12, D, and A, as well as minerals like selenium and zinc. The regular consumption of eggs can develop muscle functions, mental activity, and eyesight because of choline and antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin present within.

Myths vs. Facts
Myth: I will most certainly suffer from food poisoning if I consume eggs daily.
Fact: The risk for food poisoning from eggs is extremely low if they are handled properly, stored, and cooked. Most people can tolerate daily consumption.

Myth: Eggs are harmful if they come into contact with the eggshell.
Fact: Salmonella may be on the outside of a shell, but the inside should be clean if not infected with the chicken itself. Washing eggs can remove some bacteria, but over-washed eggs could bring about weakened shells.

Final Thoughts
For the average individual, a daily intake of eggs is completely safe so long as simple safety factors are in place. Handling and cooking, as well as storage and hygiene, can all greatly increase the likeliness of prevention when it comes to food poisoning. Eggs contain essential nutrients that benefit the body; therefore, there is no reason to exclude them from the diet based on fear. Eggs can be a part of a balanced, nutrient-rich diet so long as you stay informed and aware.

(Thumb image courtesy: Canva)