Earl Grey Tea Chocolate Pudding with Butter Caramel and Vanilla Sauce Ingredients: Earl Grey Tea Filling Earl Grey tea leaves 10g Cream 300g Milk 300g U.S. Liquid Egg Yolk 150g Sugar 95g Dark chocolate 100g White bread (sliced) 250g Butter (melted) 150g Butter Caramel sauce Cream 500g Vanilla Stick 1pc Granulated Sugar 112g Glucose Syrup 112g Butter 58g Method: Boil cream, milk and Earl Grey tea together. Set aside for a few minutes to ensure of a strong flavour, then strain it. Mix egg yolks and sugar, add in mixture from Step 1 and boil again until 85°C. Pour in the dark chocolate and mix well. Then strain again and ready to be used. Cut white bread into littlesquares, pour the melting butter and mix well. Put it in over at low temperature of about 120°C for 30 minutes until it turns brown colour. Wrap the stainless ring with luminium foil at the bottom. Add a little bit of butter bread crumbles inside, then pour the Earl Grey tea filling, and bake in the oven at 150°C until set. Repeat this step until the ring is almost filled. After finish baking, let cool and keep it in the refrigerator until cold. ​ Butter Caramel Sauce Soak the vanilla bean in the cream for two hours. Melt the glucose and the sugar until it caramelised. Turn off the heat, add in the vanilla bean cream and cool the mixture until it reaches 40°C. Add the softly whipped butter and mix well. ​ Earl Grey Tea Chocolate Pudding Take out the Earl Grey tea pudding from the refrigerator, remove the aluminium foil and place it on a plate. Pour the caramel sauce on top and a little vanilla sauce surrounding the plate. Add a little garnish of butter bread crumbles on the pudding and around the plate.

Cooked Egg Products Usage Foodservice and the commercial food processing industry. ​ Availability Portion controlled packaging in various weights, sizes and unit case counts. All products are made with fresh shell eggs that are fully cooked and individually quick frozen to ensure freshness. ​ Advantages All products are food safe, consistent in taste and appearance, and reduce labor. Cooked egg products ensure value and customer satisfaction. Simply “heat and serve,” with little mess. ​ Storage/Handling Store hard cooked eggs at recommended refrigerated temperatures. Frozen items to be kept at frozen temperatures below 10° F. (-12° C). Thaw in refrigerator. Use as soon as possible. Products: Hard cooked eggs Dry and brine pack Diced egg Scrambled egg patties Pre-cooked scrambled egg Omelettes French toast

Hazelnut Praline Paradise Chocolate Puff Pastry ​ Ingredients: ​ 960g Bread Flour 144g Unsalted Butter 22.5g Salt 470g Water 75g Cocoa Powder Method: ⁃ Mix together water and salt in stand mixer. ⁃ Add all other ingredients and mix until smooth. ⁃ Leave to set in refrigerator. Ingredients: 500g Unsalted Butter 100g Cocoa Powder Method: ⁃ Mix together all ingredients in stand mixer. ⁃ Shape dough and leave to rest in refrigerator. Ingredients: 10g U.S Dried Egg Yolk Puff Pastry Icing Sugar Laminate Dough ⁃ During the laminate process, roll out the dough until 1.5 mm thick. ⁃ Cut oblong shapes of the puff pastry, place on the baking sheet and leave to rest for 20 min in the refrigerator. ⁃ Sprinkle with icing sugar and dried egg yolk. Bake in a oven at 180℃ for 15 and 220℃ for 5 min. Bake in a oven at 180℃ for 30 mins. Praline Creme Brulee ​ Ingredients: ​ 40g U.S. Liquid Egg Yolks 200g Whipping Cream 0.5pc Vanilla Pod 1g Cinnamon Powder 30g Hazelnut Praline 40g Caster Sugar 2g Gelatine Leaves Method: ⁃ Put the gelatine leaves in a bowl of cold water to soften. ⁃ Heat the cream with the vanilla pod, cinnamon powder and hazelnut praline in a pan until just boiling. ⁃ Whisk together the egg yolks and caster sugar in a large bowl until thickened slightly. Remove the vanilla pod, then pour the hot cream over the egg mixture and whisk thoroughly. ⁃ Return the custard to the pan and heat gently, stirring until the mixture has thickened ⁃ Whisk in the gelatine, then pour the custard in a Silicone baking mould, let cool and freeze. Chocolate Cream Ingredients: ​ 50g U.S. Liquid Whole Egg 60g U.S. Liquid Egg Yolks 180g U.S. Liquid Egg Whites 125g Whole Milk 125g Whipping Cream 1 pc Vanilla Pod 320g 70% Chocolate 80g Caster Sugar 85g Caster Sugar Method: ⁃ Boil the milk & whipping cream with vanilla pod, Infuse with the vanilla pod. ⁃ Pour into chocolate and stir until chocolate melted. ⁃ Beat whole egg and egg yolks until thick and lemon colored. Gradually beat in caster sugar. ⁃ Beat egg whites with the caster sugar to soft peaks. ⁃ Mix a part of the egg with the chocolate mixture, blend and fold in the remaining eggs. ⁃ Fold egg whites into chocolate mixture. Crunchy Meringue Hazelnut Spread Ingredients: ​ 90g U.S. Dried Egg Whites (reconstituted) 150g Caster Sugar 3g Cream of Tartar 1 Pinch of Salt 200g Hazelnut Praliné 50% 100g 40% Milk Chocolate 100g Cocoa Nibs Method: ⁃ Meringue Cookies: Combine egg white, cream of tartar, and salt, beat the egg whites at slow speed until the foam throughout, add the sugar, and beat to soft peaks. Baked on 105°C for 1 hour. ⁃ Melt the chocolate with the praline at 45°C. ⁃ Add the meringue cookies with cocoa nibs. Assembly Fill the Millefeuille, alternating the layers between Crunchy Meringue Hazelnut Spread, Praline Creme Brûlée, Chocolate Cream, Chocolate Shavings, Icing Sugar & Hazelnut. Noted: Reconstitution Ratio for U.S. Dried Egg White 1 part Egg White Powder : 7 Parts Water

Frequently Asked Questions Q: Are hens given antibiotics? Are there antibiotics in my eggs? A: Egg farmers are committed to producing safe, high-quality eggs and keeping their hens healthy and free from disease. Egg farms may use a limited number of FDA-approved antibiotics, provided they comply with FDA guidelines for usage. These FDA regulations also are designed to assure antibiotic residues are not passed to eggs. ​ Due to the effective use of vaccines and on-farm disease prevention, only a small percentage of egg-laying flocks ever receive antibiotics. If they do, it is usually under supervision of a veterinarian and only for a short time to treat a specific disease or to prevent a recurring disease. ​ It’s important to know eggs can only be labeled as antibiotic-free if egg farmers choose not to use any antibiotics in feed or water as the pullets (young hens) are growing or when hens are laying eggs. Certified organic eggs must be antibiotic-free by regulation. ​ Q: Do egg producers inject their hens with hormones? A: No. Growth hormones are never given to egg-laying hens in the U.S. Laying hens are fed a high-quality, nutritionally-balanced diet of corn, soybean meal, vitamins and minerals. The feed is carefully formulated with the proper nutrients to produce safe, quality eggs. ​ Q: Is there any chance the eggs I could buy at the grocery store could be fertilized? A: Hens that produce eggs commercially never encounter a rooster, so there is no way eggs purchased at the grocery store could be fertilized with an embryo. ​ Q: What is foodborne illness? A: The way food is processed and prepared is important because all foods have the ability to carry microorganisms (like bacteria and viruses) or toxins that can cause illness. If microorganisms or toxins are introduced to food or if bacteria are allowed to grow in or on food without being killed (usually by heat) before eating, foodborne illness can result. Common symptoms of foodborne illness include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, cramps and headache. ​ ​ Q: How safe are eggs? A: The risk of getting a foodborne illness from eggs is very low. However, the nutrients that make eggs a high-quality food for humans are also a good growth medium for bacteria. In addition to food, bacteria also need moisture, a favorable temperature and time in order to multiply and increase the risk of illness. In the rare event that an egg contains bacteria, you can reduce the risk by proper chilling and eliminate it by proper cooking. When you handle eggs with care, they pose no greater food-safety risk than any other perishable food. ​ The inside of an egg was once considered almost sterile. But, over recent years, the bacterium Salmonella enteritidis (Se) has been found inside a small number of eggs. Scientists estimate that, on average across the U.S., only 1 of every 20,000 eggs might contain the bacteria. So, the likelihood that an egg might contain Se is extremely small – 0.005% (five one-thousandths of one percent). At this rate, if you’re an average consumer, you might encounter a contaminated egg once every 84 years. ​ Other types of microorganisms could be deposited along with dirt on the outside of an egg. So, in the U.S., eggshells are washed and sanitized to remove possible hazards. You can further protect yourself and your family by discarding eggs that are unclean, cracked, broken or leaking and making sure you and your family members use good hygiene practices, including properly washing your hands and keeping them clean. ​ ​ Q: Are eggs the only source of Salmonella bacteria? A: No. Salmonella bacteria are widely found in nature and easily spread. The bacteria can be found in the intestinal tracts of animals, birds, reptiles, insects and people. While the egg itself may not be contaminated when you buy it, it can become contaminated from various sources, such as hands, pets, other foods and kitchen equipment, too. ​ ​ Q: Doesn't the eggshell protect an egg from bacteria? A: Yes and no. The egg has many natural, built-in barriers to help prevent bacteria from entering and growing. These protect the egg on its way from the hen to your home. But, although it does help, the porous shell itself is not a foolproof bacterial barrier. For further safety, government regulations require that eggs be carefully washed with special detergent and sanitized. ​ A: Other protective barriers include the shell and yolk membranes and layers of the white which fight bacteria in several ways. The structure of the shell membranes helps prevent the passage of bacteria. The shell membranes also contain lysozyme, a substance that helps prevent bacterial infection. The yolk membrane separates the nutrient-rich yolk from the white. ​ In addition to containing antibacterial compounds such as lysozyme, layers of the white discourage bacterial growth because they are alkaline, bind nutrients bacteria need and/or don’t provide nutrients in a form that bacteria can use. The thick white discourages the movement of bacteria. The last layer of white is composed of thick ropey strands which have little of the water that bacteria need but a high concentration of the white’s protective materials. This layer holds the yolk centered in the egg where it receives the maximum protection from all the other layers. ​ ​ Q: Are Salmonella bacteria most likely to be found in the egg's white or yolk? A: Bacteria, if they are present at all, are most likely to be in the white and will be unable to grow, mostly due to lack of nutrients. As the egg ages, however, the white thins and the yolk membrane weakens. This makes it possible for bacteria to reach the nutrient-dense yolk where they can grow over time if the egg is kept at warm temperatures. But, in a clean, uncracked, fresh shell egg, internal contamination occurs only rarely. ​ ​ Q: Does a blood spot mean an egg is contaminated? A: No. You can’t see bacteria with the naked eye. Blood or meat spots are occasionally found on an egg yolk and are merely an error on the part of the hen. They’re caused by the rupture of a blood vessel on the yolk surface when it’s being formed or by a similar accident in the wall of the oviduct. Most eggs with blood spots are detected by electronic spotters and never reach the market. But, even with mass scanners, it’s impossible to catch them all. Both chemically and nutritionally, eggs with blood spots are fit to eat. You can remove the spot with the tip of a knife, if you wish. ​ ​ Q: Are the twisted, ropey strands of egg white safe? A: Yes. These strands are the chalazae which anchor the yolk in the center of the thick white. They’re composed of nutritious egg albumen and do not indicate contamination. In fact, the more prominent the chalazae, the fresher the egg. These natural parts of the egg don’t interfere with cooking or beating of the white and you don’t need to remove them, although some cooks like to strain them from stirred custard. ​ ​ Q: What will happen if I eat an egg containing Salmonella? A: If an egg containing Salmonella has been kept refrigerated and someone who uses good hygiene practices serves it to you immediately after proper cooking, you’ll simply have a nutritious meal. If the egg has been improperly handled, though, you might experience the foodborne illness called salmonellosis. You could have symptoms of abdominal cramps, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, chills, fever and/or headache within 6 to 72 hours after eating. The symptoms usually last only a day or two in healthy people but can lead to serious complications for the very young, pregnant women, the elderly, the ill and those with immune system disorders. Anyone who has had salmonellosis may pass along the bacteria for several weeks after recovering, but salmonellosis is seldom fatal. While the risk of getting salmonellosis is very small, there’s no need to take chances because cooking kills Salmonella. ​ ​ Q: What usually causes salmonellosis? A: Salmonellosis outbreaks are most often associated with animal foods, including chicken, eggs, pork and cheese, but have also been reported related to cantaloupe, tomatoes, alfalfa sprouts, orange juice and cereal among other foods. Human carriers play a big role in transmitting some types of salmonellosis. Salmonella bacteria can easily spread from one food to another, too. ​ The majority of reported salmonellosis outbreaks involving eggs or egg-containing foods have occurred in foodservice kitchens and were the result of inadequate refrigeration, improper handling and insufficient cooking. If not properly handled, Salmonella bacteria can double every 20 minutes and a single bacterium can multiply into more than a million in 6 hours. But, properly prepared egg recipes served in individual portions and promptly eaten are rarely a problem. You can ensure that your eggs will maintain their high quality and safety by using good hygiene, cooking, refrigeration and handling practices. ​ ​ Q: What is being done about Salmonella in eggs? A: The egg industry, the public health community and government agencies have been working diligently to deal with Salmonella enteritidis. ​ Egg industry programs start by keeping breeder flocks free of Salmonella. Ongoing research is dedicated to discovering how Se gets into flocks and how it might be blocked. The industry also uses strict quality-control practices and sanitation procedures all through production, processing and preparation. This includes testing chicks to be sure they’re free of Salmonella, bio-security (such as washing and sanitizing not only the eggs, but facilities, too) and other measures. To block Se from multiplying in the egg in the rare event it’s present, eggs are held at cool temperatures following packing and throughout transportation. Important, too, are industry education programs which encourage food preparers to use safe food-handling practices. ​ Along with state representatives, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are developing new national standards with the aim of reducing and eventually eliminating egg-related salmonellosis. The strategies will include a scientific, risk-based, farm-to-table plan covering production, processing, transport, storage, retail handling and delivery. The plan will also include education on the responsibilities of consumers, inspectors and food handlers at all levels. ​ ​ Q: How can I protect myself and my family from foodborne illness? A: Along with other food and food-related organizations as well as government food and education agencies, American Egg Board is a founding member of the Partnership for Food Safety Education. This unique industry and government coalition has the aim of informing consumers about safe food-handling practices through the Fight BAC!™campaign. By following the Fight BAC!™ recommendations to clean, separate, cook and chill, you can help prevent BAC from causing foodborne illness. ​

Nutritious Dietary Patterns Dietary patterns (also called eating patterns) are the combinations and quantities of food and beverages consumed over time. Consistent evidence indicates that, in general, a plant-based dietary pattern is more health-promoting than the current average U.S. diet. However, a “plant-based” eating patterns doesn’t mean only plants; pairing high-quality protein foods, like eggs, with plants is essential for the synthesis and maintenance of muscle tissue, and for achieving optimal vitamin and mineral intakes. ​ The 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend three healthy eating patterns, all of which include eggs. But what are the sample eating patterns, and what are the key differences between them? ​ To learn more about healthy eating patterns, including those recommended in the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines, and how eggs fit within those patterns, explore the following PowerPoint, and feel free to share it with friends! ​ Healthy Eating Patterns: How do Eggs Fit?

Frequently Ask Questions Ask the Doctor Dr. Glenn Froning, is a world-renown expert on everything about eggs. The author of over 200 scientific publications and articles on poultry meat and eggs, he is a Professor Emeritus in the Department of Food Science and Technology at the University of Nebraska and the Food Science and Technology Advisor to the American Egg Board. Dr. Froning also answers the Board’s EGGSolutions™ Hotline. Please call him for information about egg products properties in processing, handling, and storage. Q: What affects the foaming properties of egg whites? ​ A: Egg white is sensitive to high temperatures. Thus, pasteurization temperatures must be closely controlled. Yolk contamination needs to be below 0.05% to avoid loss of foaming properties. Surface active agents are generally added to liquid and dried egg white to improve foaming properties. ​ Q: Which works best, shell eggs or egg products? ​ A: Egg products are pasteurized to eliminate Salmonella contamination and can be tailored to specific functional needs. Egg products also are labor saving. Therefore, food safety and convenience makes egg products the best choice. ​ Q: Are there egg products specifically formulated for a specific function? ​ A: Yes, for example, egg white may be processed to produce optimum foaming properties. Salted yolk is often preferred by mayonnaise firms. Knowing a user’s need, the egg industry can formulate products to that specific function. ​ Q: What effects do pasteurized egg products have on baking? ​ A: Egg white proteins are susceptible to heat damage which may adversely affect foaming properties. However, addition of whipping agents such as sodium lauryl sulfate and triethyl citrate will help restore foaming properties. Pasteurization of whole egg and yolk products does not affect baking properties. ​ Q: Are there any functional differences in using dried egg products versus liquid products? ​ A: Functional attributes are quite similar. The choice of the user largely depends on how they fit into a specific application. For example, a cake mix manufacturer would prefer a dried egg product. Also, if storage space is a concern, dried products may be the choice. ​ Q: Are there any functional differences in using liquid egg products versus frozen egg products? ​ A: Freezing does not change egg white functionality. The functional properties of plain egg yolk or whole eggs are minimally affected by freezing. Salted egg yolk, that has been frozen, generally has better emulsifying abilities. Functionality in sponge cakes and custards are not adversely affected by using frozen egg products. ​ Q: Does freezing or pasteurization of egg yolk or whole eggs affect emulsification properties? ​ A: Pasteurization of yolk or whole eggs has been shown to have minimal effect on emulsifying properties. Previous research has shown that emulsification properties of salted yolk or whole eggs are not adversely affected by freezing.

A Great Opportunity For Improving Health Cholesterol ​ Cholesterol is not fat, but a waxy substance (lipid) produced by all humans and animals, and is essential for bodily function. Cholesterol is found in all cells and is an important component of the central nervous system. Cholesterol is used to produce bile acids which are required for the body to absorb fats and fat soluble vitamins from the digestive tract. The body also uses cholesterol to make steroid hormones, and as the starting material for the synthesis of vitamin D. Dietary cholesterol is the cholesterol consumed in foods while blood cholesterol is the cholesterol that circulates in the bloodstream. Dietary cholesterol does not automatically raise blood cholesterol when a high cholesterol food is eaten. Cholesterol does not have to be supplied by the diet like vitamins since the body produces all the cholesterol it needs. The amount of cholesterol the body makes is determined by weight. People who are obese produce more cholesterol than lean people and weight loss can decrease the amount of cholesterol the body makes. In most people the body balances the amount of dietary cholesterol by changing cholesterol synthesis in body tissues. Eating excess saturated fat causes the liver to put more cholesterol into the blood circulation and slows down the removal of blood cholesterol. This is why too much saturated fat in the diet is considered to be the most important dietary factor in causing high blood cholesterol levels and increased heart disease risk. Elevated levels of cholesterol in the bloodstream carried by low density lipoproteins (LDL) are associated with an increased risk of heart disease. The LDL cholesterol (“bad cholesterol”) is responsible for cholesterol entering artery walls resulting in blocked arteries. The high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, (HDL), helps move cholesterol from tissues to the liver for removal from the bloodstream. High values of HDL cholesterol (“good cholesterol”) are desirable. Currently, the new perspective on heart disease risk now identifi es the LDL: HDL ratio and the Total: HDL ratio (the sum of all cholesterol components to the “good cholesterol”) as the best indicator of heart disease risk. A review of over 30 studies published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition in 2008 1 presents evidence that the LDL:HDL ratio is a better indicator of heart disease risk than either indicator alone because, according to the authors, the ratio refl ects the “two-way traffi c” of cholesterol entering and leaving the blood system. ​ Fernandez ML, Webb D., The LDL to HDL Cholesterol ratio as a valuable tool to evaluate coronary heart disease risk. J Am Coll Nutr, 27(1);1-5,2008. ​ ​ ​ Protein ​ Eggs are a highly nutritious food making valuable contributions to one’s diet. A large egg provides six grams of high biological value protein, 10% of the daily value based on a 2,000 calorie diet. In fact, egg protein is the standard against which other food proteins are measured. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins which the body requires for cells and tissues, regulation of body processes, and source of energy. When proteins are broken down and used for energy they cannot be used to build and repair body tissue since there is little reserve supply of protein in the body. Everyone needs a constant supply of protein to repair body cells as they wear out and to make new body tissues especially during times of growth. The National Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Medicine 2006 recommendation is to include 10-35% of daily calorie intake as protein. Recent research has indicated that muscle mass in older adults is better preserved when protein intake approaches the upper range of this recommendation. ​ Proteins are composed of different combinations of 20 amino acids. The human body needs all 20 amino acids for the synthesis of its wide range of proteins. The body can synthesize 11 of these amino acids, but is unable to make 9 essential amino acids, which must be obtained from the diet. The egg contains all the essential amino acids in a proper proportion to fulfil the needs for human growth and tissue maintenance. The only food that contains a more ideal mix of essential amino acids than an egg is mother’s milk. ​ Two eggs can be used to equal two ounces of lean meat, which is considered a serving in the Meat, Poultry, Fish, Dry Beans, Eggs, and Nuts Group of the USDA MyPyramid nutrition guidance meal plan. Eggs are lower in cost and in calories than many other animal-protein foods grouped in the same food group. ​ Duyff, R. The American Dietetic Association’s Complete Food and Nutrition Guide. Chronimed Publishing, Minneapolis, MN. 1998. Dietary Reference Intakes, Institute of Medicine, The National Academies Press, 2006. www.MyPyramid.gov ​ ​ ​ Choline Choline is an essential nutrient needed for normal function of all cells. It is a critical component of the cell membrane and the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. The human body is dependant upon choline for normal muscle function, lipid transport, fetal development and memory center development. Eggs are an excellent source of the nutrient choline which, like folate, is essential for proper neural tube closure and nervous system function in the developing fetus. In fact, it has been found that dietary choline intakes vary enough in healthy women in the United States (from <300mg to >500mg/day) to significantly influence the risk of birth defects.1 Choline is also needed to control the buildup of homocysteine in the blood by contributing to the production of methionine, an amino acid needed for protein synthesis. Elevated levels of homocysteine in the blood have been associated with increase risk of heart disease. A choline defi cient diet has been shown to signifi cantly increase DNA damage in humans and is the only nutrient defi ciency shown to induce spontaneous carcinoma.2 ​ Two eggs contain about half the recommended daily amount of choline considered an adequate intake. During pregnancy and lactation, recommendations for choline intake are increased. In fact, the placenta delivers choline to the fetus by pumping it against a concentration gradient through the umbilical blood stream, indicating how important choline is for fetal development. Sadly, a review of USDA consumption study data shows that only about 10% of the population is consuming an adequate intake of choline from their diet. Among adults; younger and older women including pregnant women, had the lowest estimated mean intakes of choline.3 Egg intake can help close this unfortunate gap. ​ Shaw GM et al. Periconceptional dietary intake of choline and betaine and neural tube defects in offspring. Am J Epidemiol, 160, 102-9, 2004. Sanders LM and Zeisel SH, Choline: Dietary Requirements and Role in Brain Development, Nutr Today, 42(4), 181-6, 2007. Jensen H et al, Choline in the Diets of US Population: NHANES, 2003-2004 presented at Experimental Biology 2007. ​ ​ ​ Satiety ​ One of many reasons we enjoy eating is that food can quell the feeling of hunger and provide us with energy to perform our chosen activities. A food that satisfies the pangs of hunger and gives us sustained energy is one that provides satiety. A major benefit of eating eggs is not only that it satisfies hunger but, it keeps you from needing snacks before the next meal which has been demonstrated to be a valuable asset in any weight reduction and weight maintenance strategy. Researchers at Wayne State University compared the reported feeling of satiety and weight loss of overweight and obese men and women who consumed either an isocaloric egg or bagel based breakfast while following a weight loss diet. They found that compared to an isocaloric, equal weight bagel-based breakfast, the egg-breakfast induced greater satiety and enhanced weight loss by 65% and a 34% greater reduction in waist circumference without a significant difference in blood lipid levels between groups.1 ​ Vander Wal JS et al. Egg breakfast enhances weight loss. Int J Obes advance online pub, 5 August 2008; dol:10.1038/ijo.2008.130 ​ ​ ​ Eye Health ​ Age related macular degeneration (ARMD) occurs when the macula of the retina deteriorates and central vision becomes affected. ARMD occurs mostly in people over 50 years of age, and is the leading cause of irreversible blindness in the elderly. There presently is no cure for ARMD but laser therapy can be an effective treatment. ​ New research suggests that ARMD may result from lack of certain nutrients in the diet. Vitamins and minerals, mainly antioxidants found abundantly in fruits and vegetables may reduce the risk of ARMD. One group of vegetable chemicals, carotenoids seem to have a protective effect against ARMD. Carotenoids exist in high concentrations in eye tissues and function as antioxidants to neutralize damage to cells caused by free radicals from sunlight. Carotenoids act as fi lters and form a pigment that protects the eye tissue from blue wavelength light, a potentially destructive band of radiation present in ordinary sunlight. ​ Lutein and zeaxanthin are two xanthophyll antioxidants making up the macular pigment of the eye and recent research has shown they reduce a person’s risk and slow the progression of ARMD. The chicken egg yolk contains lutein and zeaxanthin within its fat-soluble matrix dispersed with other fat-soluble micronutrients such as vitamin A, vitamin D, and vitamin E. The yolk of the chicken egg provides a readily bioavailable source of lutein and zeaxanthin which has been shown to have greater bioavailablity than lutein from supplements and spinach. Researchers at the University of Massachusetts reported that the addition of one egg to the diet of subjects with an average age of 79 years signifi cantly increases both their serum lutein and zeaxanthin concentrations without elevating serum total cholesterol or the serum concentration of the LDL fraction.1 Similarly, women between the ages of 24 and 59 years were found to have increased serum zeaxanthin and macular pigment optical density after 12 weeks of eating an egg daily with no increase in their serum cholesterol concentrations.2 ​ Goodrow EF et al. Consumption of One Egg Per Day Increases Serum Lutein and Zeaxanthin Concentrations in Older Adults without Altering Serum Lipid and Lipoprotein Cholesterol Concentrations, J Nutr, 136: 2519–2524, 2006. Wenzel AJ et al. A 12-Wk Egg Intervention Increases Serum Zeaxanthin and Macular Pigment Optical Density in Women, J Nutr, 136(10):2568-73,2006. ​ ​ ​ Nutrient Density ​ Eggs were designed by nature to be a complete nutrient reserve for the developing chick. Eggs are an important food for humans because of their high nutrition value at a comparably affordable price. A major concern however is that many Americans are sedentary and need to watch their caloric intake to maintain a healthy weight. Yet within their allowable caloric intake they must obtain all of the essential nutrients needed for health. In order to achieve this goal they need to consume foods that are nutrient dense and keep them from feeling hungry. Nutrient density refers to the quantity of one or more nutrients supplied by a food in relation to its caloric content. Nutrient-dense foods provide a high proportion of a person’s daily diet needs of essential nutrients while supplying a small proportion of the daily need for calories. Eggs are a nutrient dense food because they are an excellent source of high quality protein, provide a wide range of vitamins and minerals, and are relatively low in calories. ​ One large egg has 72 calories with 13 vitamins and minerals. The amounts of various nutrients supplied in two large eggs are shown in the chart (right). As the nutrient daily values show, eggs provide a wide variety of nutrients for relatively few calories. One large egg offers only 7% of the total daily calorie intake of a person on a 2,000 calorie diet and provides 12.5% DV for protein, and 14% for riboflavin, and 8% or more of the daily value for several other nutrients including vitamins A, D, E, B-6, B-12, folate, iron, phosphorus, and zinc. And, it is important to realize that the egg is one of the few natural sources of vitamin D in the diet. With all of these nutritional benefi ts it is not diffi cult to see why eggs are considered a nutrient dense food. ​ ​ ​ Conclusion ​ Limiting egg intake would be a missed opportunity to benefit from the many naturally occurring nutritional benefits found in an egg such as: ​ High quality protein • Excellent source of choline Balanced assortment of essential vitamins and minerals Highly bioavailable antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin Individual portion sized packaging, only 72 calories per egg offering satiety A moderate fat content A healthy ratio of mono-unsaturated and polyunsaturated fats to saturated fats Easily chewed food Easily prepared Abundantly available Culturally familiar Affordable low cost protein Extensive storage capacity: 4-5 week shelf life when refrigerated ​ ​ ​ Nutrient Facts Daily Values (DV): 2 Large Eggs Calories 144 ​ Amount/ Serving ​ Protein Vitamin A Vitamin B12 Vitamin B6 Vitamin D Vitamin E ​ ​ ​ One large egg contains 5 gm fat (7.7% DV)), 0 trans fat, 1.5 gm saturated fat (8% DV*), and 212 mg cholesterol (71% DV) 37.0 mg omega-3 fatty acids, 514 mg omega-6 fatty acids. ​ *DV = Daily Value based on a 2,000 calorie diet. ​ %DV* ​ 25% 10% 22% 7% 9% 4% ​ ​ ​ Amount/ Serving ​ Folate Thiamin Riboflaving Phosphorus Zinc Iron ​ %DV* ​ 12% 5% 28% 20% 8% 10%

Egg Product Safety The Importance of Egg Safety Unbroken fresh shell eggs may contain certain bacteria that can cause foodborne illness. The bacteria are Salmonella Enteritidis (SE). While the number of eggs affected is quite small, there have been some scattered outbreaks. Currently, the government, the egg industry, and the scientific community are working together to solve the problem. ​ ​ Egg Product Safety The term “egg products” refers to eggs that have been removed from their shells for processing. Basic egg products include whole eggs, whites, yolks and various blends, with or without non-egg ingredients, that are processed and pasteurized. They may be available in liquid, frozen and dried forms. ​ ​ Are Egg Products Pasteurized? Yes. The 1970 Egg Products Inspection Act requires that all egg products distributed for consumption be pasteurized. They are rapidly heated and held at a minimum required temperature for a specified time. The destroys Salmonella but it does not cook the eggs or affect their color, flavor, nutritional value or use. Dried whites are pasteurized by heating in the dried form. ​ ​ Can Egg Products Be Used in Uncooked Foods? Egg products can be used in baking or cooking (scrambled eggs, for example). They have been pasteurized, but are best used in a cooked product. Consumers should be sure that the internal temperature of the cooked dish reaches 160ºF. Egg products can be substituted in recipes typically made with raw eggs that won’t be cooked to 160ºF, such as Caesar salad and homemade mayonnaise. Although pasteurized, for optimal safety, it is best to start with a cooked base, especially if serving high-risk persons: people with health problems, the very young, the elderly and pregnant women. ​ ​ What Are Some Buying Tips? Containers should be tightly sealed. Frozen products should show no sign of thawing. Purchase refrigerated products kept at 40ºF or below. Avoid hardened dried egg products. ​ ​ ​ Storage Times for Egg Products Frozen egg products – 1 year if the container for liquid products bears a “Use-By” date, observe it. For liquid products without an expiration date, store unopened cartons at 40ºF or below for up to 7 days not over 3 days after opening). Don’t freeze opened cartons or refreeze frozen cartons that have been thawed. Unopened dried egg products can be stored at room temperature as long as they are kept cool and dry. After opening, keep refrigerated. Use reconstituted products immediately or refrigerate and use that day. ​ ​ ​ Other Egg-type items Certain egg-type items are not presently considered egg products. These items, which are under the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) jurisdiction, include freeze-dried products, imitation egg products and egg substitutes. Inspected pasteurized egg products are used to make these items. No-cholesterol egg substitutes consist of egg whites, artificial color and other non-egg additives. Direct questions about egg substitutes to the manufacturer or to the FDA. ​ ​ USDA Dried Egg Mix USDA dried egg mix is a dried blend of whole eggs, nonfat dry milk, soybean oil and a small amount of salt. (This is a government commodity product, not usually available commercially.) To reconstitute, blend 1/4 cup with 1/4 cup water to make one “egg.” The reconstituted mix requires cooking. Store USDA Dried Egg Mix below 50F, preferably refrigerated. After opening use within 7 to 10 days. Use reconstituted egg mix immediately or refrigerate; use within 1 hour. ​ ​ In addition, whether refrigerated liquid, frozen or dried, egg products supply an impressive nutritional profile to most processed food products. When properly stored, these processed egg ingredients will maintain a stable shelf life for months. Some of the advantages of further processed eggs include: ​ Assurance of a safe product Reduced risk of contamination Extended shelf life Convenience Consistent performance Product stability Functionality

Weight Management & Satiety Obesity is a multi-factorial and complex health issue. Current guidance for weight management encourages physical activity along with consuming an overall healthy eating pattern which includes whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, low-fat and fat-free dairy products. A growing body of research suggests that dietary protein, specifically, can help promote satiety, facilitating weight loss when consumed as part of reduced energy diets. Several clinical trials have specifically assessed the effects of high-quality protein from eggs on satiety and weight loss. For example: ​ In a study in overweight adults, calorie-restricted diets that included either eggs or a bagel for breakfast were compared; the people who consumed eggs for breakfast lowered their body mass index by 61%, lost 65% more weight, and reported feeling more energetic than those who ate a bagel for breakfast. Men who consumed an egg breakfast versus a bagel breakfast showed that appetite hormones were suppressed following eggs at breakfast, as was energy intake over the course of the day. A study of overweight premenopausal women that evaluated satiety responses to eating a turkey sausage and egg breakfast sandwich versus a low-protein pancake breakfast showed better appetite control and few calories consumed at lunch following the egg-based breakfast. In a 3-month trial among subjects with type 2 diabetes, those who consumed 2 eggs per day for 6 days a week reported less hunger and greater satiety than those who consumed less than 2 eggs per week.

Specialty Egg Products Diced Hard-cooked, Peeled Eggs Refrigerated in a dry-pack or cryogenically frozen through exposure to extremely low temperatures for a short time, e.g., nitrogen flushing. Used by salad bars in restaurants. ​ Refrigerated Whole Hard-cooked, Peeled and Unpeeled Eggs, Plain or Pickled, Wedged, Sliced, or Chopped Mechanically or hand-peeled and either packed in a liquid solution of 0.1% sodium benzoate or potassium sorbate (mold inhibitors) and an organic acid (usually citric acid) or packaged in an altered environment with inert nitrogen to extend shelf life. ​ Frozen Hard-cooked Egg Rolls or Long Eggs Long cylinders of albumen cooked around a core of yolk, then cryogenically frozen and used sliced, in salads and as garnishes. ​ Frozen Omelets and Quiche Mixes Ready to heat and serve. ​ Frozen Scrambled Egg Mix in Boliable Pouches These were originally developed by the military but are now convenient for the foodservice operator. ​ Freeze-dried Precooked Scrambled Egg Mix Used by campers because they are easy to transport and store. ​ Other Frozen Precooked Egg patties, fried eggs, crêpes, scrambled eggs, egg pizza, plain or filled omelets, French toast, quiches, and egg breakfast sandwiches. ​ Ultra-pasteurized Pasteurized liquid egg aseptically packaged for extended refrigerated shelf life.