Reasons why you should wash eggs before cooking

Many people have the habit of buying eggs from the market and cooking them immediately without washing them. However, experts say this habit poses a potential health risk.

Eggshells may look hard and clean, but they are actually porous membranes that can contain dirt, feathers, and even feces. These impurities create a favorable environment for bacteria to grow, according to The Indian Express (India).

Anjana Kalia, a nutritionist in India, said that washing eggs bought from the market is essential, as most of these eggs are not cleaned after harvesting.

If not washed, bacteria on the shell can penetrate inside or spread to hands, utensils and food during processing.

When you crack an egg, the shell comes into direct contact with the egg yolk. If bacteria are present on the shell, they can be transferred to your food through your hands or utensils.

Many people have the habit of buying eggs at the market and cooking them right away without washing them.

Photo: AI

Dangerous bacteria on eggshells

According to Dr. Kalia, some types of bacteria that often appear on uncleaned eggshells include Salmonella, E. coli, and Campylobacter. These are bacteria that can cause food poisoning if they enter the body. They often appear when eggs come into contact with feces, straw, or dirty nests during collection and transportation.

When these pathogens come into contact with egg yolks or cooking surfaces, they can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, or fever.

These symptoms usually appear within a few hours or a day after eating contaminated food. Therefore, doctors emphasize that washing eggs and ensuring hygiene during processing are important steps to protect health.

Supermarket eggs are safer than market eggs.

Dr. Kalia said packaged eggs sold in supermarkets are usually thoroughly processed before being put on the market.

They are washed, sterilized and classified according to standards, then stored at suitable temperatures to limit bacterial growth.

On the other hand, eggs bought from traditional markets may be fresher but they pose more risks. Most of these eggs are not washed and are often stored at ambient temperatures, creating conditions for bacteria to grow.

If using eggs purchased from a farmer or market, wash each egg thoroughly under running water and dry before storing or cooking.

Keep clean when processing

In addition to washing eggs, housewives should also pay attention to the processing stage. Tools such as cutting boards, knives, and bowls containing raw eggs should be washed with hot water and soap before being used for other dishes. Hands should be washed thoroughly with soap after contact with raw eggs to avoid cross-contamination.

For egg dishes, it is better to cook them instead of eating soft-boiled or raw eggs. If storing, keep eggs in the refrigerator at a temperature of about 4 degrees Celsius and use within 3 weeks to ensure quality.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/ly-do-ban-nen-rua-trung-truoc-khi-che-bien-185251109152636801.htm