MadSci Network: General Biology
Query:

Re: How many germs are there on an uncooked hen's egg?

Date: Fri Jul 2 15:34:42 1999
Posted By: Jill Irvin, Staff, Food and Nutrition, Ohio State University
Area of science: General Biology
ID: 930751844.Gb
Message:

This is a very difficult question to answer because there are so many things that affect this. In general, the biggest concern with eggs is a bacteria called Salmonella. This bacteria can be killed if you cook the egg all the way. But sometimes, we eat eggs that aren't completely cooked, and sometimes not cooked at all. For example, when you eat raw cookie dough, you are eating uncooked eggs. Some eggnog has uncooked eggs in it. If you order an egg over easy, some of the egg may not be cooked.

The same things that make us grow makes a germ grow. They need food and water, they like it when its warm, they don't like really sour (acidic) foods and it takes time for them to grow big. So, leaving eggs (or any food) out at room temperature for awhile will cause the germs to grow. If the food that the germ is on has a lot of water, and the food is the kind they like and its nice and warm, and they have a lot of time, they will grow. But, if you keep foods cold or you only keep them in warm conditions for a short time, the germs won't grow as quickly.

So, keep the secret is to keep eggs cold when you aren't using them and cook them all the way and you should do ok.

Thanks for the question. Jill Irvin Ohio State University


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