Image of a cracked egg symbolizing Salmonella contamination.

Is Your Breakfast Safe? Unveiling the Hidden Risks in Your Eggs

Soraya Malik in Health & Wellness November 2025 • 3 min read.

"A closer look at Salmonella contamination in Bangladesh's egg supply and what you can do to protect yourself."

Eggs are a nutritional powerhouse, packed with protein, minerals, and essential vitamins like B12, making them a staple in diets worldwide, especially in developing countries like Bangladesh. However, this convenient and affordable food source can also pose a significant health risk if not handled properly. Consuming contaminated eggs or egg products can lead to salmonellosis, a foodborne illness caused by Salmonella bacteria.

Salmonella is a widespread pathogen that can cause gastrointestinal issues and typhoid fever. The bacteria are zoonotic, meaning they can spread from animals to humans. While proper cooking and handling can mitigate the risk, the presence of Salmonella in eggs remains a major public health concern, particularly in areas with less stringent food safety regulations.

A recent study in Bangladesh sheds light on the prevalence of Salmonella in locally produced eggs, highlighting potential contamination points and offering insights into how consumers can better protect themselves. Understanding these risks is the first step toward ensuring a safer and healthier food supply for everyone.

Where Does Salmonella in Eggs Come From?

Image of a cracked egg symbolizing Salmonella contamination.

Salmonella contamination in eggs can occur at various stages of production, from the farm to your kitchen. The bacteria can be found both on the eggshell and inside the egg itself. Understanding the sources of contamination is crucial for prevention.

Several factors contribute to the spread of Salmonella in egg production, including:

Contaminated feed and water: Animals feeds can contain Salmonella, leading the bird to be infected.
Poor hygiene practices: Inadequate cleaning and disinfection of poultry houses and equipment can create a breeding ground for bacteria.
Vertical and horizontal transmission: Salmonella can be transmitted from infected hens to their eggs (vertical transmission) or spread between birds through contact or contaminated environments (horizontal transmission).
Reusable egg trays: In developing countries, reusable egg trays are often used without proper disinfection, potentially harboring Salmonella bacteria.

In Bangladesh, small-scale layer farms are the primary source of eggs. These farms often have limited biosecurity measures, increasing the risk of Salmonella contamination compared to large-scale commercial operations with stricter protocols. This is particularly concerning given the increasing egg consumption in the country and the lack of comprehensive surveillance programs.

Protecting Your Family from Salmonella: Simple Steps You Can Take

While the presence of Salmonella in eggs is a concern, there are several practical steps you can take to minimize your risk of infection and keep your family safe. These include:

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.3329/ijns.v5i2.28614, Alternate LINK

Title: Determination Of Salmonella In Egg Shell And Egg Content In Some Selected Areas Of Bangladesh

Subject: Automotive Engineering

Journal: International Journal of Natural Sciences

Publisher: Bangladesh Journals Online (JOL)

Authors: S Akter, Z Ferdowshi, Mn Islam, Mam Prodhan, Mye Chowdhury

Published: 2016-07-31

Everything You Need To Know

What is salmonellosis and why is it a concern regarding eggs?

Salmonellosis is a foodborne illness caused by the bacteria Salmonella. It can lead to gastrointestinal issues and, in severe cases, typhoid fever. The concern regarding eggs stems from the fact that Salmonella can contaminate eggs, both on the eggshell and inside the egg itself, posing a risk to those who consume them. This is particularly a concern in areas like Bangladesh where egg consumption is high, and food safety regulations may be less stringent, increasing the potential for exposure.

How does Salmonella contaminate eggs?

Salmonella can contaminate eggs through various means, from the farm to the kitchen. Sources include contaminated feed and water for the hens, poor hygiene practices in poultry houses and equipment, and transmission from infected hens to eggs (vertical transmission) or between birds (horizontal transmission). Reusable egg trays, commonly used without proper disinfection in developing countries like Bangladesh, also contribute to the spread of Salmonella.

What are the risks of eating eggs contaminated with Salmonella?

Consuming eggs contaminated with Salmonella can lead to salmonellosis, a foodborne illness that causes symptoms such as gastrointestinal distress. In more serious cases, Salmonella infection can lead to typhoid fever. The severity of the illness can vary, but it highlights the importance of proper handling and cooking of eggs to eliminate the risk of Salmonella exposure.

How does the presence of Salmonella in eggs relate to food safety regulations and practices in Bangladesh?

In Bangladesh, the prevalence of Salmonella in eggs is a significant concern due to factors such as the prevalence of small-scale layer farms with limited biosecurity measures. Unlike large-scale commercial operations with stricter protocols, these farms are more susceptible to Salmonella contamination. Furthermore, the lack of comprehensive surveillance programs in Bangladesh exacerbates the problem, making it difficult to monitor and control Salmonella outbreaks effectively. These factors highlight the need for improved food safety regulations and practices to protect consumers.

What are some practical steps to protect yourself from Salmonella in eggs?

To minimize the risk of Salmonella infection from eggs, several practical steps can be taken. Proper cooking is essential to kill Salmonella bacteria. Ensure eggs are cooked until both the yolk and white are firm. Maintain good hygiene by washing hands, utensils, and surfaces that come into contact with raw eggs. Purchase eggs from reputable sources that follow good food safety practices. Store eggs properly in the refrigerator to prevent bacterial growth.