5 tips to understand that eggs have gone bad
Illustrative photo (Freepik)
Often people try to stock up on food, albeit at a risk, as they may spoil. The freshness of eggs at the store can be determined by simple indicators, according to the Mashed website.
Slime on the shell
The slime can be either liquid or already dried. This sign may indicate bacterial contamination and spoilage. Therefore, such eggs should not be consumed.
If you've touched such an egg, you must wash your hands, as there is a risk of salmonella contamination.
Powdery deposit
Such a deposit can appear on eggs and indicate a deterioration in quality or fungal contamination. Fungal infection may manifest as green, powdery, or fuzzy black deposits on the shell.
The powdery deposit occurs when the product has been stored in a warm or humid place.
Fungus on the shell proliferates, producing toxins that pose a health hazard when ingested.
Pink spots in the whites
Egg whites should be transparent or semi-transparent, so pink and red spots can be a sign of Pseudomonas bacteria.
Consuming eggs contaminated with Pseudomonas can lead to food poisoning. Symptoms may include diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach cramps.
Bloody spots in the egg could indicate ruptured blood vessels in the yolk, which pose no danger.
Runny whites
If the white is runny and watery, it indicates a poor-quality product. Fresh egg whites should maintain their shape and not spread too much.
Runny or even watery whites result from storing eggs at high temperatures or in low-humidity environments.
Strange sound when shaken
Take the egg in your hand and shake it gently. If it's fresh, you won't hear anything.
However, a spoiled egg will produce a sloshing sound due to the accumulation of gases inside the egg.
The longer the egg is stored, the more gases accumulate inside, thus posing a risk of poisoning.
Symptoms of egg poisoning
Symptoms of egg poisoning can vary, depending on the specific cause of the intoxication. In the case of classic food poisoning from expired products without bacterial contamination with salmonella, nausea with vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weakness are observed.
Salmonellosis can manifest in several forms of infectious damage, which develop fairly quickly (within 1-2 hours after consuming eggs). Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor immediately.
