What You Need to Know About Eggs

What You Need to Know About Eggs

Food is one of the great delights of life. While it can be delicious, it can also be dangerous. Therefore, it is important to know how to keep yourself safe.

Eggs are a staple in the American diet. Used in a multitude of dishes, you will like ingest products made with eggs daily. However, they are also a delicate food in they need to be cared for properly. If you are not careful, you could end up sick with a foodborne illness.

Fresh eggs must be handled with great care. Raw eggs can contain Salmonella. This bacteria causes an intestinal infection resulting in a nasty illness.

The US Food and Drug Administration FDA is attempting to prevent Salmonella poisoning by placing harsher restrictions on eggs producers. They require hens to be certified as Salmonella free, and there houses to be kept free of rodents. The living quarters of the hens must be frequently tested for Salmonella. Lastly, the FDA requires the eggs be kept at temperatures that hinder Salmonella growth.

Egg producers are not the only ones responsible for deterring Salmonella. Consumers must help as well. Eggs should be kept refrigerated and cooked thoroughly to reduce risk. The most vulnerable populations to foodborne illnesses are the elderly, children, and people with weakened immune systems.

When buying eggs, choose those in a refrigerated case and check to make sure the shells are not cracked. Eggs should be store in their original container in the refrigerator. On average, they will have a shelf life of three weeks.

Keep everything very clean when dealing with eggs. Be sure to wash all cooking equipment and surfaces with hot, soapy water before getting out the eggs.

The best way to kill possible Salmonella is by thorough cooking. Eggs should be cooked till the white and yolk are firm. This means scrambled eggs are not to be runny. Dishes containing egg products should be cooked to 160 degree Fahrenheit. There are certain recipes that call for uncooked eggs. These include Caesar dressing and ice cream. To protect yourself, only use eggs that have been treated to destroy Salmonella through pasteurization or another accepted method when making these dishes. These egg products should be clearly marked and available at a number of grocers.

If you have suffered from food poisoning, you may be eligible for compensation. Visit http://www.stouwiemayo.com to learn more.

Joseph Devine

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