Eggs are one of the carriers of harmful intestinal bacteria from chickens. Salmonellosis is an acute infectious disease caused by bacteria of the genus Salmonella. Symptoms of salmonellosis may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, headache, weakness, and loss of appetite. In severe cases, there may be disturbances in the cardiovascular system, kidneys, and liver.
Aif.ru has investigated how to make eggs as safe as possible for consumption.
Where can salmonella be found in eggs?
The source of the harmful bacteria is chicken, specifically its feces. Therefore, the only place where salmonella can be found in eggs is the shell. An exception is damaged eggs: a microcrack is enough for pathogenic microorganisms to penetrate inside. As Vladimir Neronov, a doctor of medical sciences and a gastroenterologist, explained to Vokrugsveta.ru, the inside of the egg is a very favorable environment for bacterial reproduction: thanks to this complex of amino acids, lipids, and minerals, the embryo develops into a chick in just 2-3 weeks.
How to make eggs safe from salmonella?
Neronov emphasized that salmonella dies if the egg is boiled for 15-20 minutes. However, not many people like overcooked eggs—short cooking methods are particularly popular, in which the yolk remains liquid, and sometimes the egg white is slightly undercooked. To avoid getting food poisoning or more severe symptoms after a delicious meal with egg dishes, a number of measures should be followed:
Check the integrity of the egg. It’s best not to eat broken eggs at all, but if one has just cracked, it’s better to use it for baking—the cooking time and high temperature will “kill” all bacteria.
Wash the egg with a detergent. Before cracking an egg, the shell should be thoroughly cleaned—this will reduce the likelihood of bacteria getting inside. It’s important to wash the eggs immediately before use, not after purchase—you can damage the protective film: the eggs will store for less and the risk of bacteria penetrating inside the egg will increase.
Extend the cooking time of the eggs. Experts advise against eating eggs with runny yolks and to cook the dish on both sides.
Can you tell at home if an egg is contaminated with salmonella?
No. The presence of bacteria can only be determined in a laboratory setting, specifically through bacteriological and molecular-biological methods.