Eggshells may look hard and clean, but in reality, they are a porous membrane that can harbor dirt, chicken feathers, and even feces. These impurities create a favorable environment for bacteria to thrive, according to The Indian Express .
Dr. Anjana Kalia, a nutritionist in India, says that washing eggs bought from the market is essential, as most of these eggs are not cleaned after harvesting.
If not washed, bacteria adhering to the peel can penetrate the inside or spread to hands, utensils, and food during processing.
When cracking an egg, the shell comes into direct contact with the egg yolk. If the shell's surface contains bacteria, these can transfer to food via your hands or utensils.
Many people have a habit of buying eggs from the market and cooking them immediately without washing them.
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Dangerous bacteria on eggshells
According to Dr. Kalia, some types of bacteria commonly found on uncleaned eggshells include Salmonella, E. coli, and Campylobacter. These bacteria can cause food poisoning if they enter the body. They usually appear due to eggs coming into contact with feces, straw, or dirty nesting boxes 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 a few hours or a day after consuming contaminated food. Therefore, doctors emphasize that washing eggs and ensuring hygiene during preparation are crucial steps to protect health.
Supermarket eggs are safer than market eggs.
Dr. Kalia said that packaged eggs sold in supermarkets are usually thoroughly processed before being put on the market.
They are washed, disinfected, and sorted according to standards, then stored at the appropriate temperature to limit bacterial growth.
Conversely, eggs purchased from traditional markets, while potentially fresher, pose more risks. Most of these eggs are not washed and are often stored at room temperature, creating conditions conducive to bacterial growth.
If using eggs purchased from a farmer or market, wash each egg thoroughly under running water and dry them before storing or cooking.
Maintain hygiene during food preparation.
Besides washing eggs, homemakers should also pay attention to the preparation process. Utensils such as cutting boards, knives, and bowls used for raw eggs should be thoroughly washed with hot water and soap before being used for other dishes. Hands should be washed thoroughly with soap after handling raw eggs to avoid cross-contamination.
For egg dishes, it's best to cook eggs thoroughly rather than eating them runny or raw. If storing eggs, keep them in the refrigerator at around 4°C and use them within 3 weeks to ensure quality.
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/ly-do-ban-nen-rua-trung-truoc-khi-che-bien-185251109152636801.htm
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