How likely is it to get salmonella from raw eggs?

In this brief guide, we are going to answer the question “how likely is it to get Salmonella from raw eggs”. Moreover, we are going to discuss the health consequences of eating eggs contaminated with Salmonella and tips to reduce the risk of Salmonella infection from raw eggs.

How likely is it to get Salmonella from raw eggs?

The likelihood of getting salmonella from raw eggs varies depending on various factors (1). Here, we summarize some of the most important factors that influence the probability of getting Salmonella:

  • Salmonella prevalence: Salmonella bacteria can be present in the intestines of healthy chickens, and some infected hens may transmit the bacteria to their eggs before the shells are formed (2). 

The prevalence of Salmonella in eggs can vary, but it has been reduced significantly in many countries through improved farming practices, vaccination programs, and regulatory measures.

  • Contamination risk: The risk of Salmonella contamination increases when eggs are laid by infected hens or come into contact with fecal matter containing the bacteria. 

Factors such as unsanitary conditions, inadequate cleaning of eggs, and improper handling can contribute to contamination.

  • Shell integrity: Salmonella can only penetrate the eggshell if it is contaminated on the outside. Eggs with intact and clean shells have a lower risk of Salmonella contamination compared to those with cracked or dirty shells.
  • Temperature and storage: Proper refrigeration of eggs at or below 40°F (4°C) is crucial to inhibit the growth of Salmonella bacteria. 

If eggs are stored at higher temperatures or left out at room temperature for extended periods, any existing Salmonella bacteria can multiply and increase the risk of infection (1).

  • Consumption methods: Consuming raw or undercooked eggs, such as in dishes like homemade mayonnaise, raw cookie dough, or sunny-side-up eggs with runny yolks, increases the risk of contracting Salmonella (2). 

Cooking eggs to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) kills Salmonella bacteria and reduces the risk of infection (3).

While the likelihood of getting Salmonella from raw eggs has been reduced in recent years, there is still a small risk involved. So you should always be careful and avoid eating raw eggs, especially if you find any sign of spoilage.

What are the health risks of eating a salmonella-contaminated raw egg?

Eating a Salmonella-contaminated raw egg can lead to salmonellosis, an infection causing symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, nausea, and vomiting (1). 

It can also result in dehydration, gastroenteritis, bacteremia (bacterial infection in the bloodstream), septicemia (severe bloodstream infection), and potentially long-term complications like reactive arthritis or post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome (4). 

Proper cooking of eggs is therefore crucial to eliminate Salmonella bacteria and reduce the health risks associated with raw egg consumption.

How long do symptoms of Salmonella poisoning take to appear?

According to the FDA, the symptoms of Salmonella poisoning appear 12 to 72 hours after the consumption of the contaminated food (5).

When do you need to see a doctor after eating eggs contaminated with Salmonella?

In the case of kids

You need to see a doctor if the symptoms include

  1. Diarrhea that does not go away after one day.
  1. Vomiting for more than 12 hours in newborns, 1 day in children under the age of 2, or 2 days in other children.
  1. Dehydration symptoms include not urinating for three hours or longer, having dry lips or tongue, and crying without tears.
  1. Fever of more than 102 degrees Fahrenheit (39 degrees Celsius).
  1. Bloody stools

In the case of adults

You need to see a doctor if your symptoms include

  1. Diarrhea that persists after two days.
  1. Vomiting that lasts more than two days-
  1. Dehydration symptoms include little or no urination, severe thirst, a very dry mouth, dizziness or lightheadedness, and urine that is very black.
  1. Fever of more than 102 degrees Fahrenheit (39 degrees Celsius).
  1. Bloody stools

How to reduce the chances of getting Salmonella infection from eggs?

You should consider the following tips while buying and storing eggs to reduce the chances of Salmonella infections to some extent:

  1. Do not buy eggs that have cracks in them.
  1. It is better to buy pasteurized eggs and egg products (6.).
  1. The eggs should be refrigerated promptly at about 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
  1. Cook egg dishes till they reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit or above (3).
  1. Make sure that the foods that contain raw or lightly cooked eggs such as tiramisu, hollandaise sauce, etc. should be made using pasteurized eggs.
  1. Refrigerate the cooked eggs or the foods containing eggs promptly. Never leave cooked eggs or products containing eggs for more than 2 hours at room temperature (1 hour if the outside temperature is 90 degrees Fahrenheit or above).
  1. Wash hands, the utensils, and the kitchen counter that comes in contact with raw eggs.
  1. Do not taste or eat any uncooked dough or batter containing raw eggs, such as cookie dough or cake mix. Before consuming, bake uncooked dough and batter.

Conclusion:

In this brief guide, we are going to answer the question “how likely is it to get Salmonella from raw eggs”. Moreover, we are going to discuss the health consequences of eating eggs contaminated with Salmonella and tips to reduce the risk of Salmonella infection from raw eggs.

References:

1. Whiley H, Ross K. Salmonella and Eggs: From Production to Plate. Int J Environ Res Public Heal 2015, Vol 12, Pages 2543-2556 [Internet]. 2015 Feb 26 [cited 2023 Jun 19];12(3):2543–56. Available from: https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/12/3/2543 

2. Cardoso MJ, Nicolau AI, Borda D, Nielsen L, Maia RL, Møretrø T, et al. Salmonella in eggs: From shopping to consumption—A review providing an evidence-based analysis of risk factors. Compr Rev Food Sci Food Saf [Internet]. 2021 May 1 [cited 2023 Jun 19];20(3):2716–41. Available from: https://ift.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/1541-4337.12753 

3. 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 

4. 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 

5. Milaciu M V, Ciumărnean L, Orășan OH, Para I, Alexescu T, Negrean V. Semiology of food poisoning. Int J Bioflux Soc [Internet]. 2015 [cited 2023 May 10];8(2):108–13. Available from: http://hvm.bioflux.com.ro/docs/2015.108-113.pdf 

6. 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 

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