Can Children Eat Undercooked Eggs?
Can Children Eat Undercooked Eggs?
For some people, half-boiled eggs provide a different taste and deliciousness compared to perfectly cooked eggs. However, is it safe for children to eat undercooked eggs? To find out the answer, let's look at the following facts.
Eggs are the best source of animal protein that is easily available at a relatively cheap price. The vitamins and minerals contained in eggs can also support the growth and development of children. Mother has been able to introduce eggs to her little one since the beginning of complementary feeding.
Safety of Consumption of Undercooked Eggs in Children
Eggs can be processed by frying or boiling. The level of doneness of the eggs can also be adjusted as desired, can be perfectly cooked or half cooked. However, serving half-boiled eggs for your little one should be avoided, right, Bun.
Raw or immature eggs can contain Salmonella bacteria. The bacteria found in poultry droppings can enter the egg when the egg shell is not fully formed or through a cracked egg shell.
Salmonella bacterial infection or commonly called Salmonellosis is a common cause of food poisoning. Symptoms that arise due to Salmonella bacterial infection are diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and stomach cramps.
Generally, food poisoning due to this bacterial infection will recover for 7 days after infection, but can be fatal if not treated immediately.
The Right Way to Serve Eggs for Kids
Children under 5 years of age are four times more likely to be infected with Salmonella bacteria than adults. Therefore, make sure you serve eggs properly to your little one to avoid bad risks due to Salmonella bacteria.
The following is a guide to serving eggs for children that you need to take note of:
- Avoid buying eggs that are dirty and have cracked shells.
- Store eggs in the refrigerator below 4º C or a cool place.
- Avoid storing eggs for more than 3 weeks.
- Cook eggs by boiling, frying, or omelet until they are perfectly cooked.
- Avoid giving raw or undercooked eggs to children.
- Try to eat eggs immediately after cooking (< 2 hours) to avoid contamination with germs.
- Avoid storing hard-boiled eggs in the refrigerator for more than 3-4 days.
- Wash your hands before and after touching or cooking eggs.
- Clean all cooking utensils used to cook eggs properly.
Although eggs have various and useful nutrients, how to process eggs for children should not go unnoticed. Serve perfectly cooked eggs for your little one and always apply the guidelines given above, yes, Bun.
Cooking eggs until they are perfectly cooked will not remove the nutrients in them, really. Precisely a cooked egg will be easier to chew, swallow, and digest by the child's digestive system.
If after consuming eggs, your child shows symptoms of Salmonella bacterial infection and is accompanied by bloody stools, high fever, looks very weak, and has a dry mouth and tongue, immediately take your child to the doctor for examination and treatment.
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