Can you cook salmonella out of eggs?

In this brief article, we are going to answer the question “Can you cook salmonella out of eggs”. Moreover, we will have a brief discussion about whether it is safe to consume raw eggs as well as how to lessen your chances of getting Salmonella from eggs.

Can you cook salmonella out of eggs?

Yes, cooking eggs thoroughly can effectively kill Salmonella bacteria. If you heat your eggs to a specific temperature for a sufficient duration Salmonella could be destroyed (1). 

However, it is important to note that while cooking can eliminate Salmonella, it cannot reverse any damage caused by toxins produced by the bacteria (2). 

Therefore, it is crucial to select, store, handle and cook eggs properly to minimize the risk of Salmonella contamination (3).

What temperature and duration are required to kill salmonella in eggs?

To effectively kill Salmonella bacteria in eggs, they should be cooked to an internal temperature of at least 160°F (71°C) (1,4). This temperature should be maintained for a specific duration to ensure thorough cooking. 

The recommended duration depends on the cooking method used, for example:

  • For boiled eggs: Eggs should be boiled for at least 9-12 minutes to reach the desired internal temperature.
  • For scrambled eggs: When preparing scrambled eggs, cook them on low to medium heat, stirring continuously until they are firm throughout. This typically takes 3-5 minutes.
  • For fried eggs: For fried eggs, cook them in a skillet with some oil or butter over medium heat until the whites are completely set and the yolks are thickened. This usually takes around 4-5 minutes.

It is highly recommended to use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of the eggs, confirming they have reached at least 160°F (71°C) before consumption. Remember: Your safety comes first!

What cooking methods are effective in killing salmonella in eggs?

Several cooking methods are effective in killing Salmonella bacteria in eggs. These methods ensure that the eggs reach a sufficient temperature to destroy the bacteria. Here, we summarize for you the most popular ones:

  • Boiling: Cooking eggs in boiling water is an effective way to kill Salmonella. Place the eggs in a pot of boiling water and let them cook for about 9-12 minutes. Ensure that the eggs are fully submerged in the water for even cooking.
  • Scrambling: When preparing scrambled eggs, cook them on low to medium heat, stirring continuously until they are firm throughout. This method ensures that the eggs reach a temperature sufficient to kill Salmonella.
  • Frying: Fry eggs in a skillet with some oil or butter over medium heat until the whites are completely set and the yolks are thickened. Make sure both sides of the egg are adequately cooked.
  • Baking: Baking eggs in various dishes, such as quiches or casseroles, can also effectively kill salmonella. The extended exposure to high heat ensures thorough cooking.

It’s important to note that these cooking methods require the eggs to reach an internal temperature of at least 160°F (71°C) to ensure the destruction of Salmonella bacteria (1,4).

What are the symptoms and risks of salmonella infection from eggs?

Salmonella infection from contaminated eggs can lead to salmonellosis, with symptoms including diarrhea, abdominal pain, cramps, nausea, fever, and sometimes vomiting (5). 

Severe cases can result in dehydration, bacteremia, sepsis, and potential long-term complications like reactive arthritis or post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome (6). 

Thus, prompt medical attention is necessary for severe symptoms or signs of systemic infection (7). 

As explained before, you should always cook your eggs in a proper way, practicing good hygiene, and safe food handling (8) to prevent Salmonella infection.

How can I lessen my chances of contracting Salmonella from eggs?

To reduce the risk of getting Salmonella from eggs, you could follow the next recommendations: 

  • Refrigerate eggs at 40°F (4°C) or below at all times. Refrigerated eggs should only be purchased from stores and suppliers. Cracked or soiled eggs should be discarded. Pasteurized eggs and egg products, which are widely available, should be purchased and used (9). 
  • Cook until the yolk and white of the eggs are firm. Cook egg dishes to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) or higher (4). Pasteurized eggs should be used in recipes that contain raw or gently cooked eggs, such as hollandaise sauce, Caesar salad dressing, and tiramisu.
  • After cooking, eat or refrigerate eggs and egg-containing meals as soon as possible. Keep eggs and egg-based items no longer than 2 hours warm or at room temperature, or 1 hour if the temperature is 90°F or above.
  • Hands and things that come into contact with raw eggs should be washed with soap and water, including countertops, utensils, plates, and cutting boards.
  • Do not taste or eat any uncooked dough or batter containing raw eggs, such as cookie dough or cake mix. Before consuming, bake or boil uncooked dough and batter.

Conclusion:

In this brief article, we answered the question “Can you cook salmonella out of eggs”. Moreover, we discussed whether it is safe to consume raw eggs as well as how to lessen your chances of getting Salmonella.

References:

1. Geveke DJ, Gurtler JB, Jones DR, Bigley ABW. Inactivation of Salmonella in Shell Eggs by Hot Water Immersion and Its Effect on Quality. J Food Sci [Internet]. 2016 Mar 1 [cited 2023 Jun 19];81(3):M709–14. Available from: https://ift.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/1750-3841.13233 

2. Cheng RA, Wiedmann M. The ADP-Ribosylating Toxins of Salmonella. Toxins 2019, Vol 11, Page 416 [Internet]. 2019 Jul 16 [cited 2023 Jun 19];11(7):416. Available from: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6651/11/7/416 

3. Committee CE. Minimising the risk of salmonellosis from eggs. Eurosurveillance [Internet]. 1997 Nov 1 [cited 2023 Jun 19];2(11):86–8. Available from: https://www.eurosurveillance.org/content/10.2807/esm.02.11.00189-en?crawler=true 

4. Juneja VK, Huang L, Yan X. Thermal inactivation of foodborne pathogens and the USDA pathogen modeling program. J Therm Anal Calorim [Internet]. 2011 Apr 1 [cited 2023 May 3];106(1):191–8. Available from: https://akjournals.com/view/journals/10973/106/1/article-p191.xml 

5. Kinderlerer JL. Salmonella in eggs. Nutr Bull [Internet]. 1994 Jan 1 [cited 2023 Jun 19];19(1):11–8. Available from: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1467-3010.1994.tb00543.x 

6. Cremon C, Stanghellini V, Pallotti F, Fogacci E, Bellacosa L, Morselli-Labate AM, et al. Salmonella Gastroenteritis During Childhood Is a Risk Factor for Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Adulthood. Gastroenterology [Internet]. 2014 Jul 1 [cited 2023 Jun 19];147(1):69–77. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S001650851400362X 

7. McRobert GR. THE TREATMENT OF BACTERIAL FOOD POISONING. Br Med J [Internet]. 1934 Aug 8 [cited 2023 May 10];2(3841):304. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2445530/ 

8. Beumer RR, Kusumaningrum H. Kitchen hygiene in daily life. Int Biodeterior Biodegradation [Internet]. 2003 Jun 1 [cited 2023 Apr 24];51(4):299–302. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0964830503000416 

9. Stadelman WJ, Singh RK, Muriana PM, Hou H. Pasteurization of Eggs in the Shell. Poult Sci [Internet]. 1996 Sep 1 [cited 2023 Jun 19];75(9):1122–5. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0032579119443009