It is known that chicken embryos can contain the causative agent of a disease dangerous to humans - salmonellosis. The question arises: is there salmonella bacteria in quail eggs? Unfortunately, a pathogenic microorganism is sometimes found in this product. To reduce the likelihood of infection, you need to know how the infection is transmitted and what preventive measures need to be followed.
Are there salmonella in quail eggs?
Salmonella rarely gets into quail eggs.This is due to several reasons:
- lysocine suppresses the activity of pathogenic microorganisms;
- the normal body temperature of quails exceeds 40 degrees, which also prevents the development of bacteria;
- the shell has micropores, the diameter of which is much smaller than that of chicken eggs, which serves as a barrier to the penetration of the pathogen inside.
It is important to remember that any poultry can become a carrier of salmonellosis. The most common causes of infection are improper care and errors in the feeding process.
How is the infection transmitted?
The most common sources of infection:
- raw poultry and animal meat;
- vegetables and fruits (bacteria get on them when sprayed with contaminated liquid, as well as as a result of storage next to contaminated products);
- poultry eggs.
Animals do not suffer from salmonellosis, but are its carriers. When the egg comes out, external factors begin to influence it. As a result of contact with droppings that may contain salmonella, the product becomes infected. The fact is that the pathogen can pass through the shell of the embryo, after which it begins to multiply inside the product.
Contaminated foods pose the greatest danger in warm weather when consumed raw. The risk of transmission of infection also exists in winter if the air temperature drops below zero degrees. As a result of consuming an infected product, the pathogen penetrates the cells of the body.
How to check a product for infection?
The bacteria can only be detected through laboratory testing. To do this, the product is wiped with alcohol and fired. The shell is opened using tweezers. Then part of the contents is taken for bacteriological culture. The purpose of the study is to determine the number and type of bacteria. The material is placed in a thermostat for two days. The temperature should be 37 degrees.
Consequences for humans
If a person becomes infected with salmonella from eggs, the disease will initially manifest itself in the form of the following symptoms:
- fever;
- diarrhea;
- muscle pain;
- weakness;
- headache.
If help is provided untimely, incorrectly, or the person does not receive it at all, complications will arise. In advanced cases, death is possible. Therefore, when the first symptoms appear, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible.
Salmonellosis is most dangerous for young children, pregnant women and people with low immunity.
Preventive measures against infection
To destroy the bacteria, it is necessary to expose it to heat (100 degrees) for 3 minutes. That is why, if there is a suspicion that eggs contain a pathogen, you should avoid fried eggs and half-baked delicacies.
You cannot taste it while cooking. After the water boils, cook the eggs for 10-15 minutes.
To prevent infections, you can also do the following:
- For cooking, use a separate knife and board. After cooking, all items that have come into contact with food must be disinfected. You should also wash your hands with soap.
- Raw foods should not be stored next to cooked foods.
- Before using the egg, it must be washed with a cleaning agent.
- You should not purchase products from dubious sellers. It is better to buy in trusted stores that offer products that have passed sanitary inspection.
- You should not eat expired products. Shelf life – 2 days.
- Broken eggs are not suitable for cooking.
- Do not use the product if there are traces of blood on the shell.
Salmonella is the causative agent of a dangerous infectious disease that can be contained in the embryos of poultry, including quail. Infection can be prevented through preventative measures and good personal hygiene.
