What is the risk from eating duck eggs?
From time-to-time, incidents involving duck eggs arise where Salmonella is identified. Therefore, duck eggs should always be handled and cooked with great care. Consumption of undercooked duck eggs or dishes containing raw or lightly cooked duck eggs have been linked to outbreaks of salmonellosis in Ireland in the past.
What is salmonellosis?
Salmonellosis is a serious type of food poisoning caused by Salmonella bacteria. People infected with Salmonella typically develop symptoms between 12 and 36 hours after infection, but this can range between 6 and 72 hours. The most common symptom is diarrhoea, which can sometimes be bloody. Other symptoms may include fever, headache and abdominal cramps. The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days. Diarrhoea can occasionally be severe enough to require hospital admission. The elderly, infants, and those with impaired immune systems are more likely to have a severe illness.
If you think that you may be ill as a result of having eaten duck eggs, you should seek medical advice. This applies in all cases if you believe that any food you have eaten has made you ill.
How can I reduce the risk of salmonellosis when using duck eggs?
- The FSAI advises to only eat duck eggs that have been thoroughly cooked, until both the white and yolk are solid. A duck egg is heavier and larger than a hen’s egg, and therefore needs more cooking time. Duck eggs should not be eaten raw or lightly cooked.
- Avoid using raw duck eggs in any dishes that will not be cooked thoroughly prior to eating. Dishes that contain duck eggs should be cooked until they are piping hot all the way through.
- Do not use raw duck eggs in the preparation of dishes that contain raw or lightly cooked egg, such as homemade mayonnaise, tiramisu, icing, hollandaise sauce.
- When using duck eggs in cooking or baking, pay attention to hygiene when breaking duck eggs and handling the empty shells afterwards, and do not eat or taste the raw mix.
- Maintain stringent hygiene practices when handling raw duck eggs, such as washing hands and preparation surfaces thoroughly after handling or using duck eggs.
- Ensure all utensils and preparation surfaces that have been in contact with raw duck eggs are washed thoroughly before being re-used.
- Store duck eggs in the fridge away from ready-to-eat food.
Where can I buy duck eggs?
Duck eggs are available for purchase in various retail outlets on the Irish market.
What can I use them for?
They can be eaten cooked on their own or used as alternatives to hen’s eggs in cooking and baking.
Who is responsible for the food safety of duck eggs?
Producers are responsible for ensuring the safety of the food they place on the market.