Can you still eat a salted egg if it has gone bad?
Nov 07, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yu Yongchao
Introduction
In general, spoiled salted eggs should not be consumed. When purchasing salted eggs, choose正规 channels, check whether the packaging is intact and look for any signs of spoilage. Store them sealed in the refrigerator, avoiding prolonged storage at room temperature. Before consumption, inspect the appearance and smell the egg; if the shell is cracked, the egg contents appear cloudy, or there is an unusual odor, discard it immediately.
Generally speaking, spoiled salted eggs should not be consumed. The detailed explanation is as follows:
When salted eggs emit a foul odor, it usually indicates that large amounts of bacteria—such as Salmonella and Proteus—have already grown inside the egg. These bacteria break down nutritional components like proteins and fats in the egg, producing toxic and harmful substances such as hydrogen sulfide and amines. These compounds not only cause the unpleasant smell but may also irritate the human digestive system. Consuming such eggs can easily lead to gastrointestinal discomfort symptoms including nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. In severe cases, they may even cause food poisoning and pose a risk to health. Therefore, salted eggs with an off odor should not be eaten.
When purchasing salted eggs, choose reputable sources and check whether the packaging is intact and shows no signs of spoilage. Store them sealed in the refrigerator, avoiding prolonged storage at room temperature. Before consumption, inspect the appearance and smell the egg; if you notice any shell damage, cloudy egg contents, or unusual odors, discard them immediately. If you accidentally consume a small amount of spoiled salted egg and experience discomfort, stop eating it immediately and seek medical attention promptly.
