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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

Sodium Reduction Egg products are naturally low in sodium and possess multifunctional components for foaming, binding and emulsifying, and other functions. Clean labels are dependent upon the ingredients. Egg products offer a clean label option and can help maintain product integrity and stability in a reduced sodium formulation. Egg products are capable of binding other ingredients, providing structure and stability and assisting with moisture migration while not conflicting with flavors of other ingredients. In fact, eggs have functional properties that do the job of many additives, yet naturally. Today's consumers, better educated and more label savvy, are avoiding additives and seeking more natural food alternatives. Custom blended egg products that include carbohydrates, gum, starches, sugar, and low levels of salt are available to meet manufacturers' specifications and improve functional performance. Egg products make so many food formulations great or better. The functional profile egg products provide is worth investigating to mine the possibilities for all the value they can provide to sodium reduced and other formulations. For information about health and nutrition topics, visit the Egg Nutrition Center at www.enc-online.org

Eggs and foodborne illness Eggs and Foodborne Illness Q: What is foodborne illness? A: All foods have the ability to carry microorganisms (like bacteria and viruses) or toxins that can potentially cause illness. Foodborne illness can result if microorganisms or toxins are introduced to food or if bacteria are allowed to grow in or on food. Common symptoms of foodborne illness include headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and cramps. The egg community follows several programs to reduce foodborne illness and produce safe eggs. Proper cooking and handling of eggs is important to greatly reduce the risk of foodborne illness. Cook eggs thoroughly until the white and the yolk is firm. Q: How do bacteria, like Salmonella, infect eggs? A: Bacteria can be both on the outside and inside of a shell egg. Eggs are washed and sanitized at the processing plant to clean off any contamination of the outside of an egg. Bacteria can also be inside an uncracked, whole egg. Eggs may be contaminated by transfer of bacteria within the hen’s ovary or oviduct before the shell forms around the yolk and white. Scientists have found that Salmonella Enteritidis has the ability to grow both in the egg yolk and white. Proper cooking and handling of eggs is important to greatly reduce the risk of foodborne illness. Cook eggs thoroughly until the white and the yolk is firm Q: What part inside the egg carries bacteria? A: If bacteria is present, it is usually in the yolk, according to researchers, because the yolk contains nutrients bacteria need to grow. Bacteria have also been found to grow in the white, but not as often as in the yolk. Egg Safety Center and FDA advise not to eat raw or undercooked egg yolks and whites, or products containing raw or undercooked eggs. Proper cooking and handling of eggs is important to greatly reduce the risk of foodborne illness. Cook eggs thoroughly until the white and the yolk is firm Q: How does Salmonella infect eggs? A: Salmonella are found in the intestinal tracts of animals, birds, reptiles, insects and humans. Salmonella may be found on the outside of the egg shell before the egg is washed, or it may be found inside the egg if the hen was infected prior to egg laying. Proper cooking and handling of eggs is important to greatly reduce the risk of foodborne illness. Cook eggs thoroughly until the white and the yolk is firm. Q: What will happen if I eat an egg containing Salmonella? A: Symptoms of salmonellosis include abdominal cramps, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, chills, fever and/or headache within six to 72 hours after eating the contaminated food. The symptoms usually last only a day or two in healthy people but can lead to serious complications in young children, pregnant women, the elderly and others with compromised immunity. Proper cooking and handling of eggs is important to greatly reduce the risk of foodborne illness. Cook eggs thoroughly until the white and the yolk is firm. Q: What usually causes salmonellosis? A: Chicken, eggs, pork, cheese, cantaloupe, tomatoes, alfalfa sprouts, orange juice and cereal have all been linked to outbreaks of salmonellosis. Human carriers can transmit some types of salmonellosis. Salmonella can easily spread from one food to another, too. The majority of reported salmonellosis outbreaks involving eggs or egg-containing foods have occurred in food service kitchens and resulted from inadequate refrigeration, improper handling and/or insufficient cooking. The egg community follows several programs to reduce Salmonella bacteria and produce safe eggs. Proper cooking and handling of eggs is important to greatly reduce the risk of foodborne illness. Cook eggs thoroughly until the white and the yolk is firm. 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 help prevent Salmonella Enteritidis (SE) in eggs. This includes egg safety programs at all steps, from farms through food preparation. Egg farmers procure Salmonella-free chicks, implement protocols for biosecurity and pest control, clean and disinfect poultry houses, and vaccinate chicks. Eggs are held at low temperatures following lay, during transport to the processing plant, and after packing to protect against the rare cases of SE in eggs. The public health community educates on safe food-handling practices. Along with state agriculture departments, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have developed national standards with the goal of reducing egg-related salmonellosis. Scientists continue to conduct research to discover how SE gets into flocks and how its presence might be further reduced. Proper cooking and handling of eggs is important to greatly reduce the risk of foodborne illness. Cook eggs thoroughly until the white and the yolk is firm. Q: Can shell eggs be pasteurized or irradiated to destroy Salmonella? A: Yes. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) states pasteurized in-shell eggs can be safely used in recipes calling for raw eggs. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) states that irradiation can effectively eliminate organisms that cause foodborne illness, such as Salmonella and Escherichia coli (E. coli). Q: Are egg products pasteurized? A: All egg products are required by law to be pasteurized. Approximately one-third of all eggs produced in the U.S. are broken and further processed to make egg products sold as retail or food service items or as ingredients for commercial food manufacturers. These may be whole eggs, egg whites or egg yolks, and they may be liquid, frozen or dried. The safety of egg products is regulated by the USDA Food Safety Inspection Service.

Cooking Cooking It is important to cook eggs properly. Cook until the white is set and the yolk begins to thicken. The white coagulates at a temperature between 60°C and 65°C (140°F and 145°F). Yolk coagulates between 65°C and 70°C (149°F and 158°F). Scrambled Poached Sunnyside Over easy Soft cooked 121°C (250° F) Boiling water 121°C ( 250° F) (cover pan) 121°C (250° F) Boiling water 1 min. 5 min. 4 min 3 min. side 1 / 2min. side 2 7 min. ⚠️ Time and temperature are critical factors in the cooking and service process. Cook at a low to medium temperature and time carefully. Hold cold egg dishes below 5°C (40°F) and hot egg dishes above 60°C (140°F). Never leave egg dishes at room temperature for more than one hour. ⚠️

Frozen Egg Products Usage Ingredient especially for the commercial food processing industry. Availability 30 lb container and 4, 5, 8, 10 lb pouches or waxed plastic cartons Commercial - 25 and 50 lb boxes, 150, 175, and 200 lb drums. Advantages Long shelf life, functionality, variety of blends. Processing Overview Shell eggs are washed, rinsed, sanitized, and candled, then broken, monitored for quality and imperfections, and yolks separated from whites by automation. Separation is not necessary if whole eggs are being processed. Egg products are then clarified, filtered, pasteurized and filled into containers and frozen at –10° to –40°F (–23.3° to –40°C). Egg yolks and whole eggs generally must be mixed with sugar, salt, or other edible ingredients such as corn syrup, phosphates, or other carbohydrates, to prevent gelation (increased viscosity) caused by the lipid portion of the lipoproteins in the freeze-thaw cycle. (When the protein molecules interact with each other upon thawing, they form insoluble aggregates that make thawed yolks gel-like and gummy.) Gelation of the yolk or whole egg may be prevented by homogenization and the addition of about 10% sucrose or sodium chloride prior to freezing. Some egg white products contain an ester-type whipping agent such as triethyl citrate. Added Ingredients Citric acid may be added to some yolk or whole egg products to prevent greening. Storage Stored at 0° to –5°F (–17.8° to –20.6°C) frozen eggs can be held for years. Defrost only as much as needed, in unopened containers, in refrigerator or under cold running water. Use defrosted product immediately, or store refrigerated for no longer than three days. With extended storage, some physical changes like coagulation of certain protein fractions of egg whites or gelation of the yolk, may occur. Frozen eggs cannot be refrozen once thawed. Store thawed eggs at the coldest possible refrigerator temperature (40° to 45°F, 4.4° to 7.2°C). Products: Whole eggs, whites, or yolks Scrambled egg mix Salted whole eggs or yolks Sugared egg yolks Whole eggs with yolks and corn syrup Whole eggs with citric acid Whole eggs with corn syrup Various blends

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.

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.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions Interested in egg nutritional information? Below are some frequently asked questions regarding eggs and egg nutritional benefits. Q: Are eggs good for you? A: Yes! Eggs are a nutrient-dense food (aka eggs provide a nutrient bang for your calorie buck) according to the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGAs). The DGAs also include eggs within all recommended healthy eating patterns. One large egg has varying amounts of 13 essential vitamins and minerals all for 70 calories. At just 20 cents each per large egg, eggs are an affordable source of high-quality protein and contain all nine essential amino acids. In addition to protein, eggs are a good source of other important nutrients like vitamin D, phosphorus, riboflavin and selenium. Eggs are also rich in the essential amino acid leucine (one large egg provides 600 milligrams), which plays a unique role in stimulating muscle protein synthesis. Q: Does nutrient content vary depending on egg color or how the hens are raised? A: The nutrient content of eggs is similar regardless of color (white or brown), grade (AA, A, or B), or how they are raised (organic, free-range, and conventional). Although eggs are a natural nutrition powerhouse, feeding laying hens a diet enriched in specific nutrients like vitamin D or omega 3 can enhance that nutrient in eggs. Due to higher production costs, such specialty eggs are usually more expensive than generic shell eggs. Q: Should I toss the yolk? A: No! Most of the eggs’ nutrients and nearly half of the protein (just over 40%) is found in the yolk. Additionally, egg yolks carry fat-soluble nutrients like vitamin D, E, A, choline, and the antioxidants lutein/zeaxanthin. Plus, the fat, which is mostly unsaturated and found in the egg yolk, aids in the absorption of these essential and important egg components. Q: How many eggs can I eat? A: There are no specific recommendations or guidelines on how many eggs to eat a day or week. However, studies have consistently shown that eating up to two eggs per day does not have detrimental health effects. Research demonstrates that whole eggs can be a part of a balanced diet that contains a wide variety of nutritious foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, etc. In fact, the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans include whole eggs in all of their healthy eating patterns. Q: Are eggs a good source of vitamin D? A: Eggs are one of the few foods that are a naturally good source of vitamin D, with one egg providing 10% of the Daily Value (41 IU). Vitamin D is essential for maintaining calcium and phosphate levels, and in developing and maintaining healthy bones. Research is also showing several additional benefits of vitamin D including reducing risk for chronic health conditions such as diabetes and certain cancers. Q: What is choline and who should be concerned about choline intakes? A: Choline is an essential nutrient that is involved in memory, mood, and other brain/nervous system functions. It is particularly important during pregnancy, as it impacts fetal brain development and can help prevent birth defects. Approximately 90% of Americans do not eat adequate amounts of choline. Unfortunately, it is not found in high quantities in many foods typically consumed by Americans, with one exception – eggs have one of the highest amounts of choline of any food. Two large eggs contain more than half of the recommended intake for pregnant women and adults and can help them meet their needs. Q: Do eggs contain antioxidants? A: The carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin are two antioxidants found in the eye which help protect and maintain eye health. Emerging research is now demonstrating lutein’s impact on cognition in both children and adults. Eggs are a source of lutein and zeaxanthin, and while spinach and dark leafy greens have a higher lutein/zeaxanthin content per serving, the lutein/zeaxanthin from eggs has been shown to be better absorbed into the body. Q: Do eggs increase the risk of heart disease? A: More than 40 years of research has demonstrated that people can enjoy eggs without impacting their risk of heart disease. Research indicates that saturated fat is more likely to raise a person’s blood cholesterol than dietary cholesterol. In fact, a recent analysis showed that eating up to one egg a day is associated with a 12% reduction in the risk of stroke. Q: What’s the latest evidence on the benefits of high-quality protein? A: The quality of dietary protein is determined by its amino acid composition as well as how well the body digests and utilizes the amino acids. Egg proteins, like milk and beef proteins, are easily digested and contain all of the essential amino acids. The protein in eggs can benefit weight loss and help prevent muscle loss with aging, all in its affordable and convenient package. Eggs are a most valuable protein! Q: Can eggs promote a healthy weight? A: Research demonstrates that eggs can help people feel more full, which can ultimately help them eat less throughout the day. For example, dieters who ate an egg breakfast lost 65% more weight and significantly more belly fat compared to those who ate a same-calorie bagel breakfast. Q: Can people with diabetes eat eggs? A: Yes, the American Heart Association and American Diabetes Association recommend eating patterns that include whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes and low-fat dairy products, and restrict foods high in saturated fats, trans fats, high-sodium, and added sugars. Eggs can fit within the context of this diet. Some observational studies have shown a possible link between egg consumption and heart disease risk in individuals with diabetes. However, more recent clinical trials do not support these findings. Individuals with diabetes can eat 1-2 eggs per day without negatively impacting cardiovascular risk factors. Q: Are raw eggs safe to eat? A: Raw eggs or any products containing raw eggs should not be eaten. Even though the likelihood that an egg might contain bacteria is very small, the only way to ensure that any bacteria may be present is killed is to properly cook the egg. According to the FDA Food Code, eggs for immediate consumption can be cooked to 145°F for 15 seconds. If the eggs are to be used in a recipe with other food items, dilute the eggs with liquid or other ingredients, such as milk or sugar (at least ¼ cup liquid or sugar per egg as in custard) and cook the egg mixture to 160°F, which will destroy harmful bacteria in a few seconds. Adequate cooking brings eggs and other foods to a temperature high enough to destroy bacteria that might be present. If a recipe calls for raw eggs, use pasteurized shell eggs or pasteurized egg products. Q: Where can I learn more about egg nutrition? A: Eggs are a natural source of high-quality protein and a number of other nutrients – at only about 70 calories per egg. Nutrition research suggests eggs can play a role in weight management, muscle strength, healthy pregnancy, brain function, eye health and more. For more information on all egg nutrition questions, visit the Egg Nutrition Center (www.eggnutritioncenter.org ). Q: Are cage-free or organic eggs more nutritious than other types of eggs? A: The nutrient content of eggs is similar regardless of the hen housing environment. In fact, one large egg has varying amounts of 13 essential vitamins and minerals and high-quality protein. There’s also no nutritional difference between white or brown eggs; the different shell color is determined by the breed of hen that produced the egg. One exception is nutritionally-enriched eggs. Omega 3 enriched eggs are one example – flaxseed, fish oil or algal oils are added to the hen’s diet so they produce eggs with these nutrients. For other egg nutrition questions, visit the Egg Nutrition Center (www.eggnutritioncenter.org ). Q: Can I eat eggs if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding? A: Eggs are as safe to eat during pregnancy or nursing as any other time of life – provided they are handled properly and cooked adequately. In fact, according to the Egg Nutrition Center, essential nutrients within the egg can support a healthy pregnancy, growth and development of children, and muscle mass and function during aging. Eggs are an excellent source of choline, which plays an essential role in fetal and infant brain development, and adequate choline during pregnancy may help prevent neural tube birth defects. For other egg nutrition questions, visit the Egg Nutrition Center (www.eggnutritioncenter.org ). Q: What should I do with leftovers containing eggs? A: Promptly after serving, refrigerate any leftovers containing eggs. Thoroughly reheat leftovers and eat within two to three days. Without tasting them, discard any egg-containing leftovers that have been refrigerated more than three days. A good resource to help manage leftovers is the USDA FoodKeeper app. This application provides food storage information and enables alerts to be set up to contact you before food spoils. Q: How long are hard-cooked eggs safe to eat? Why do hard-cooked eggs spoil faster than fresh eggs? A: Hard-cooked eggs should be refrigerated within two hours of cooking and used within one week. Shell eggs have a protective coating that is washed away when they are hard-cooked. This leaves the pores in the shell open for bacteria to enter. Q: What exactly is cross-contamination and what should I do about it? A: Bacteria can spread from people to food, or from one food or piece of equipment to another. This is called cross-contamination. To help prevent cross-contamination, it’s important to separate foods—especially raw meat, seafood, eggs, and poultry—from other foods. Also wash hands, utensils and surfaces with warm, soapy water before and after handling raw eggs. Q: What is the best temperature to cook an egg? A: Adequate cooking brings eggs to a temperature high enough to destroy bacteria that might be present in the egg yolk or egg white. Egg white coagulates at 144-149° F, yolk coagulates at 149-158° F, and whole eggs coagulate at 144-158° F. A food thermometer is an invaluable tool to quickly check for the right temperature. Q: Is it safe to use eggs that have cracks? A: Never purchase cracked eggs, because bacteria can enter eggs through cracks in the shell. If eggs crack on the way home, break them into a clean container, cover it tightly, keep refrigerated, and use within two days. When preparing, be sure to cook eggs thoroughly, with both the white and yolk firm.

Dried Egg Products Usage Ingredient especially for the commercial food processing industry. Availability Foodservice - 6 oz pouches, 3 and 25 lb poly packs. Commercial - 25 and 50 lb boxes, 150, 175, and 200 lb drums. Advantages Long shelf life, stable and mixable. Processing Overview Shell eggs are washed, rinsed, sanitized, candled, broken, separated by automation, and monitored for quality and imperfections. Liquid whole eggs and yolks are clarified, filtered, and pasteurized using high-temperature, short-time (HTST) pasteurization equipment. After pasteurization, they are spray dried. The separated egg whites and egg yolks from the same production batch may be recombined in their entirety and identified as whole eggs. Egg whites are treated prior to drying to remove naturally occurring glucose and preserve color once dried, resulting in stabilized egg whites for longer storage. Glucose is sometimes removed from whole egg and yolk products for long storage stability. Egg whites are more sensitive to heat coagulation. They are clarified, filtered, glucose removed, and spray dried prior to pasteurization in a “hot room” maintained at a temperature of at least 130ºF (54ºC) for a minimum of seven to ten days. Industry practice often exceeds the required pasteurization regulations — pasteurized at a higher temperature — to improve gel strength. This assures kill of Salmonella if the moisture content of egg solids is kept at approximately 6%. The whipping ability of egg whites also improves when stored in the hot room at low moisture levels. Pan drying, which creates a flake or granular product, is another possible method for drying egg whites, but spray drying is generally used because quick exposure to very high temperatures prevents color and nutrient damage. Added Ingredients Sugar (sucrose), glucose-free corn syrup, or sodium silicoaluminate are sometimes added according to suppliers’ specifications, as anti-caking agents to assure a free-flowing product. Without these agents, the egg powder could harden and solidify — making it difficult to incorporate into food applications. Whipping additives like sodium lauryl sulfate may be added to dried egg whites at a level of less than 0.1% (by weight of the liquid prior to drying) to assure whipping ability and aeration properties. Carbohydrates can be added to increase the egg’s resistance to heat damage, e.g., less protein denaturation during drying and improve stability and flowability of dried egg products. Storage/Handling Store dried eggs as any other dried, powdered food in a cool, dark place. Once reconstituted, use immediately or store refrigerated for no more than four days. Products: Whole eggs or yolk solids Dried egg or scrambled egg mix Egg whites Free flowing whole eggs or yolk solids Stabilized (glucose-free) whole eggs or yolk solids Blends of whole eggs and/or yolk with carbohydrates