Which Eggs Are Most Likely to Carry Salmonella
Salmonella can be present inside eggs that look normal. Raw or undercooked eggs are the main source of illness, especially from chicken eggs sold in stores and restaurants.
How Salmonella Gets into Eggs
Bacteria can infect hens and contaminate eggs before the shell forms. Cracks in the shell, dirty nesting areas, and poor handling increase the chance of contamination.
How to Reduce Salmonella Risk from Eggs
Buy pasteurized eggs for dishes that are not fully cooked, keep eggs refrigerated, and cook until both yolk and white are firm. Wash hands and surfaces after handling raw eggs, and avoid consuming raw cookie dough or homemade mayonnaise made with raw eggs.
For official guidance on egg safety and outbreaks, visit the U.S. Food and Drug Administration at FDA Egg Safety.
