Can runny eggs be eaten?
Dec 03, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Tian Hongbo
Introduction
Runny eggs typically refer to undercooked eggs, which may still contain certain bacteria or viruses such as Salmonella. Consuming them may lead to intestinal infections and decreased appetite. In severe cases, symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Therefore, for health reasons, runny eggs should generally not be eaten.
Eggs with runny yolks are generally not recommended for consumption.
Eggs with runny yolks usually refer to undercooked eggs. Although eggs are rich in nutrients such as protein, lecithin, calcium, iron, and phosphorus, which can help nourish the body and enhance physical health, undercooked eggs may still contain bacteria or viruses, such as Salmonella. This bacterium can only be killed at a core temperature of 70–80°C, a temperature that is reached only when the egg is fully coagulated. Therefore, a runny yolk typically indicates that the egg has not reached a sufficient temperature to destroy harmful bacteria. Consuming such eggs may lead to intestinal infections and loss of appetite; in severe cases, symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. For these health reasons, eggs with runny yolks should generally not be eaten.
In daily life, it is advisable to consume fully boiled or steamed eggs. High-temperature cooking effectively kills any bacteria present, making them safer to eat.
