What’s Salmonella, How Does It Spread, and Are Eggs Safe to Eat Right Now?

As concerns about salmonella make headlines, many people may be asking an important question: Are eggs still safe to eat?

Eggs can be part of a healthy diet when they’re handled and cooked safely. Knowing how salmonella spreads can help lower the risk of getting sick.

What’s Salmonella?

Salmonella is a type of bacteria that can cause an infection called salmonellosis. People who get sick with the infection may have diarrhea, fever, stomach cramps, nausea, or vomiting.

Symptoms can start within hours or several days after eating food that contains salmonella. Most people get better without medical treatment, but some infections can be more serious.

Young children, older adults, and people with certain health conditions may have a higher risk of serious illness.

How Does Salmonella Spread?

Salmonella spreads when people eat food or drink water that has been contaminated. It can be found in raw or undercooked eggs and spread through raw meat, poultry, and other foods.

Cross contamination is another factor. This can happen when bacteria from raw food gets onto hands, cutting boards, counters, or other foods.

Washing your hands and keeping raw foods away from other foods that are ready to eat can help reduce the risk.

Are Eggs Safe to Eat Right Now?

Eggs can be safe to eat when they are properly handled, stored, and cooked. However, food safety alerts and egg recalls can change, so it’s important to check current recall information before eating eggs that may be affected.

To help protect yourself:

• Keep eggs refrigerated.
• Wash your hands after handling raw eggs.
• Don’t eat cracked or dirty eggs.
• Keep raw eggs away from other foods.
• Cook eggs until both the yolk and white are firm.
• Clean surfaces and utensils that come into contact with raw eggs.

When Should You Seek Medical Care?

Most people with salmonella infection recover, but others become very sick. Contact a healthcare professional if symptoms are severe, last for several days, or you’re concerned about dehydration.

For more information about food safety and other health topics, visit our website to explore more health and wellness resources from Jackson Health System.