Is it safe to eat raw eggs?

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Answer:

Eggs from infected poultry could also be contaminated with the virus and therefore care should be taken in handling eggs or raw egg products. Commercial mayonnaise, dressings, and sauces that contain pasteurized eggs are safe to eat. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) discourages the consumption of eggs that have not been adequately cooked. FDA advises consumers to avoid eating or tasting foods that may contain raw or lightly cooked eggs, such as:

• raw batter, filling, or cookie dough made with raw eggs;
• eggnog and other egg-fortified beverages that are not thoroughly cooked; and
• homemade and fresh-made dressings and sauces made with raw eggs such as Caesar salad dressing, Béarnaise sauce, Hollandaise sauce, Aioli sauce, mayonnaise; homemade ice cream; mousse; meringue; or tiramisu.

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Last Updated: 05/22/2007