1. Safe Handling of Eggs Dr. Ken Koelkebeck University of Illinois
Extension Specialist, Poultry

2. SAFE HANDLING OF EGGS Eggs are part of healthy diet
Safe-stored properly, handled, and cooked
Some unbroken eggs may contain Salmonella enteritidis

3. PROPER EGG USAGE Don’t eat raw eggs
Buy clean eggs from refrigerator display case
Store eggs safely/properly at home
40° F
Coldest part of the refrigerator
Do not wash eggs

4. PROPER EGG USAGE (cont)
Use eggs promptly – 3-5 weeks
Serve immediately
Use safe egg recipes
American Egg Board

5. Egg Nutrition Center (ENC) enc-online.org
The Nutritious Egg
Egg Nutrition Center

6. The Nutrition in an Egg is Second to None
Eggs have been a staple in the human diet for thousands of years
The range of nutrients in an egg is sufficient to sustain a developing chick embryo
With the exception of vitamin C, an egg contains all of the macro- and micronutrients to sustain human life
Egg Nutrition Center

7. Nutrient Rich Eggs One Large Egg = 72 kcals 4% energy 13% protein
23% choline
14% riboflavin
11% vitamin B12
6% folate
5% vitamin A
5% vitamin D
4% vitamin B6
2% vitamin E
23% selenium
10% phosphorus
5% iron
4% zinc
Egg Nutrition Center

8. Macronutrient Distribution in Raw Chicken Egg (per 50 g)
Whole Egg
Egg Albumin
Egg Yolk
Weight (%)
100 66 34
Water (g)
37.9
28.9
8.9
Energy-kcal
73.5
17.2
54.7
Protein (g)
6.29
3.60
2.70
Lipid (g)
4.97
0.06
4.51
Sugars (g)
0.39
0.24
0.10
Egg Nutrition Center

9. Egg Protein Approximately 60% contained in egg white; 40% in yolk
Nutritionally complete proteins, containing all of the essential amino acids
Egg Nutrition Center

10. New Dietary Guidelines Issued in Feb. 2011
Overall recommendations:
Balance calories with physical activity
Eat more nutrient dense & healthy foods
Eat less sodium, saturated/trans fats, added sugars and refined grains
Dietary Guidelines
for American 2010
US Department of Agriculture
US Department of Health and Human Services
Egg Nutrition Center

11. The 2010 Dietary Guidelines
Stressed nutrient density and high quality protein intake. Few natural foods are as nutrient dense as the egg, or contain more high quality protein.
Eggs are singled out in the Guidelines for their nutrient density, high quality protein, good breakfast choice.
Egg Nutrition Center

12. Common Myths and Misconceptions About Eggs
Brown eggs are healthier than white eggs
Fertile eggs have less or no cholesterol
Free range eggs have more nutritional value than cage eggs
Fact
There is no substantive nutritional difference between white, brown, fertile, and free range eggs. Nutritional content is determined by the hen’s diet
Egg Nutrition Center

13. Common Myths and Misconceptions About Eggs
Eggs contain antibiotics and hormones that are given to hens to increase production
Fact
Antibiotics and hormones have no effect on egg production and are only given to hens for therapeutic reasons
Egg Nutrition Center

14. The Bottom Line
Eggs have the highest quality protein at the lowest cost
Eggs contain every essential amino acid, fatty acid, vitamin and mineral needed by humans (except Vitamin C)
Eggs contain highly bioavailable, functional nutrients like choline, and the dietary xanthophylls – lutein and zeaxanthin
Egg Nutrition Center

15. University of Illinois Extension
Safe Handling of Eggs
University of Illinois Extension