Eggs are nutritious, but they can also pose health risks if not selected and stored properly.
The following types of eggs are those that you should never buy as they may contain harmful bacteria, mold, and toxins:
1. Eggs with black spots
Upon opening an egg, one may notice black spots on the inner shell. These eggs are called ‘black-spotted eggs’ and are laden with bacteria and mold, posing a health hazard.
It’s easy to be misled by the appearance of the egg yolk and white, which may look normal, leading some to believe there’s no issue. However, consuming these eggs often results in diarrhea. Thus, it’s best to discard eggs with black spots immediately.
2. Deformed eggs
With the increase in environmental pollutants, trace elements in animals and plants continue to accumulate. Consuming contaminated animal and plant products regularly can impact overall health.
If an egg’s exterior appears smooth with small protrusions, upon opening, you may find a clump of coagulated protein, indicating the presence of toxins that have deformed the egg.
Additionally, if the egg’s shell color is uneven, the shell is relatively rough, and the egg is excessively long or round, it likely comes from an unhealthy chicken and is not suitable for consumption.
3. Cracked eggs
Eggs with cracked shells should be discarded immediately. The shell acts as a protective barrier for the egg white and yolk, and once cracked, it loses its ability to safeguard its contents effectively. Bacteria can easily enter through these cracks, leading to contamination, especially by Salmonella.
Salmonella bacteria thrive in the warm and moist environment inside cracked eggs.
Consuming cracked eggs can result in food poisoning symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and fever. This risk is especially heightened for individuals with weakened immune systems, including children, the elderly, and pregnant women.
If you come across cracked eggs, refrain from purchasing them. If you’ve already bought them, discard them immediately without use.
4. Eggs with watery yolks
The yolk is the part of the egg that provides most of its nutritional value and calories. However, if you notice a watery yolk, it could indicate an unwholesome or diseased egg.
Watery yolks suggest a loss of the usual thick consistency, possibly due to bacterial or parasitic infection during the egg’s development.
When an egg has a watery yolk, its nutritional value diminishes, and if not thoroughly cooked, it becomes susceptible to bacterial contamination.
Additionally, watery eggs can impact the quality of your dishes, failing to deliver the desired taste and nutrition of fresh eggs.
