Jakarta eggs
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