Whats the risk of contracting Salmonella from an egg? How many eggs contain Salmonella?
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Salmonella illness, is responsible for 1.4 million illnesses, 15,000 hospitalizations and 400 deaths in the U.S. annually. The risk for contracting Salmonella is greatest for children under 10, pregnant women, those over 55 and individuals with compromised immune systems. The CDC warns that eggs are estimated to be a root cause in approximately 75 percent of Salmonella incidences. The current egg related Salmonella risk is 1 in 10,000 or 1 egg in each pallet of eggs or one egg in a typical display within a grocery store. That is why egg cartons have a “warning” on them. The risk is increased by improper handling, undercooking, serving raw or serving to individuals who can’t fight off the bacteria.
