Eggs

• Never buy eggs with cracks.

• Buy eggs in cartons that clearly identify the supplier and that every egg has a stamp on it.

• Always buy and use eggs before their 'best before' or 'use-by' date.
• Eggs should be clean and free from visible dirt and feathers.

• Do not buy eggs which have been stored in direct sunlight as heat shortens their shelf life (the amount of time they are safe to eat).

Eggs that are broken, cracked or dirty (visible hen faeces (poo) or feathers) are more likely to contain the Salmonella bacteria.

These bacteria can be on the shell as well as inside the egg, so you need to be careful how you handle eggs in their shell and after you have cracked them.

Never ever wash eggs. Water makes it easier for the bacteria to get inside. If you get eggs from backyard chickens, simply brush the dirt off.

Once inside the egg, the Salmonella bacteria keep multiplying which further increases the risk of illness. It is important to remember that such eggs may not necessarily smell or look 'off'.

The Salmonella bacteria can also spread very easily. If you touch eggs, or get some egg white or yolk on your hands, you can spread the bacteria to anything else you touch. This includes other foods, cooking utensils and work surfaces, so it is important to wash and dry your hands thoroughly after handling eggs.

When storing and handling eggs take the same precautions as you would when handling and preparing raw chicken, meat and seafood.

Stop the bacteria spreading

• Keep eggs away from other foods when they are still in the shell and after you have cracked them.
• Be careful not to splash egg onto other foods, worktops or dishes.
• Always wash and dry your hands thoroughly after touching eggs or working with them.
• Clean surfaces, dishes and utensils thoroughly, using warm soapy water, after working with eggs.

Store eggs in their cartons or other egg container in the fridge at temperatures less than 5 °C.

Only store clean, uncracked eggs. Do not wash eggs as this can make it easier for bacteria to enter the egg.

Can I use raw eggs in recipes?

Eggs may be an ingredient in:

• Homemade sauces such as mayonnaise, aioli and hollandaise sauce.
• Drinks such as eggnog.
• Desserts such as mousse, tiramisu and homemade ice cream.

It is not recommended that foods containing raw or lightly cooked eggs are eaten by:

• Young children.
• Elderly people.
• Pregnant women.
• People with a weakened immune system.

If raw eggs are used in foods that are not cooked, the food or drink should be eaten immediately after it has been prepared or kept at a temperature lower than 5 °C for a maximum of 24 hours until consumed.

Using pasteurised egg products is a safer option than shell eggs for these products. The pasteurisation process will kill Salmonella bacteria, but it does not cook or affect the colour, flavour, nutritional value, or use of eggs.

Eggs from backyard chickens

• Always wash your hands with soap after handling eggs and chickens.
• Keep the nesting materials and litter clean and dry and change it regularly.
• Collect eggs daily.
• Discard any cracked eggs.
• Wipe off any visible dirt with a dry cloth or paper towel but don’t wash the eggs as this can transfer the contamination into the egg contents.
• Store eggs in the refrigerator in a separate clean container away from ready to eat foods.

Never use cracked or dirty eggs even if you are planning to cook them thoroughly.

Refrigerate cooked eggs and dishes containing eggs which are not eaten immediately.

Does cooking eggs kill Salmonella bacteria?

Yes, if you cook the eggs until both the white and yolk are solid. If you are cooking a dish containing eggs, make sure you cook it until the food is hot all the way through.

It is best to avoid any uncooked foods or dishes that contain raw egg. This is because it is impossible to guarantee the safety of eating raw eggs and dishes that contain unpasteurised raw egg products.