Are Your Kids Eating Eggs Often? Here's What You Should Know

Many of us enjoy an egg at least once a day, whether at breakfast or dinner, prepared in various ways. But the question is: what should you do—and avoid—when it comes to eggs, especially during the hot summer months? What is the best time to eat them, and how can you prevent bacterial contamination?

Hagit Lev, a clinical dietitian with Maccabi Healthcare Services in the southern region and an expert in children’s nutrition, bariatrics, pregnancy, and nursing, tells N12 that specific guidelines must be followed to prevent bacterial infections, particularly from salmonella, which can be present in raw eggs.

The first and most crucial rule, she says, is to avoid eating raw or undercooked eggs. Eggs should be fully cooked, such as by boiling them in water for at least ten minutes. This method ensures the elimination of bacteria, including salmonella, significantly reducing the risk of infection.

When buying eggs, several precautions should be taken: avoid eggs without clear labeling, steer clear of cracked or broken eggs, and ensure the eggshell is clean. Eggs in poor condition may harbor bacteria and are therefore risky to use.

Eggs should always be stored in the refrigerator in a closed plastic container. This keeps them fresh and prevents external contaminants from entering. It’s important to remove eggs from the fridge only just before use to avoid temperature fluctuations that could affect freshness.

Another important point is not to wash eggs before using them, as washing can introduce bacteria through the shell. It is also crucial to maintain a complete separation between cooked and uncooked eggs and to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after handling eggs or their packaging.

According to Lev, following these guidelines ensures safe egg consumption and reduces health risks.

Recently, dietitian Dr. Maya Rosman examined how many eggs should be eaten weekly. She explained, “In the scientific journals I follow, numerous studies have been published on this subject, and the latest trend they emphasize is that there isn’t necessarily a connection between the number of eggs consumed and heart disease. One recent study compared blood tests over time between individuals who eat fewer than one egg per week and those who eat more than 14 eggs per week, and the results showed no difference.”