Jakarta eggs

The first time I noticed that eggs in Jakarta supermarkets are not kept refrigerated, I was shocked. Being a student in Dietetics at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada, I want to make egg buyers aware of the dangers of unprocessed eggs, and what to do to decrease the risk.

Inside the hard protective shell of a freshly-laid egg is a bundle of complete protein, packed with every known vitamin (except vitamin C) and an abundant supply of phosphorus and iron. Eggs are covered in a mucus-like substance when laid that can contain the bacteria Salmonella enteritidis. If the egg is not washed off and cooled right away, this bacteria can enter the pores in the shell and inner skin to gain access to the rich, dark and warm interior where it starts to multiply. This bacteria causes Salmonellosis, a type of food poisoning that, while unpleasantly gut-wrenching to healthy adults, can be fatal to the young, infirm and elderly.

Salmonellosis occurs eight to 24 hours after ingesting food containing Salmonella enteritidis. It usually lasts two-three days and symptoms include cramps, chills, vomiting, diarrhea and fever. Learning safe food handling practices is the best method of prevention.

Eggs from Jakarta supermarkets should be rinsed until the shell loses all of the slippery mucous covering and kept in the refrigerator itself. Every hour out of the refrigerator causes an egg to lose a day's freshness. A fresher egg not only tastes better, but also contains more vitamins and minerals. To preserve freshness, once eggs have been washed off, coat lightly in oil, to prevent gases from permeating into or out of the egg through its pores.

Because of the risk of Salmonellosis, it is inadvisable to eat any food containing raw egg. The bacteria is killed by all cooking temperatures, so anything fully cooked is likely to be safe.

In this country where we all sometimes suffer from stomach ache, it is important to be aware of potential dangers and thus prevent them from causing serious problems.

Be aware and safe eating!

MARYKE SCHOUTEN

Jakarta