Why Do Some Eggs Have Blood Spots?
A common myth is that blood spots mean the egg was fertilized. This is false information. Rather, blood spots are the result of the rupturing of tiny blood vessels in the hen’s ovaries or oviduct. The oviduct is the passageway between the ovaries and the outside environment.
Blood spots can occur in both the yolk and the white. A blood spot in the yolk means that the bleeding occurred in the ovary when the hen released the egg from the follicle. If the spot is in the white, this means the bleeding happened after the hen released the egg into the oviduct.
Always Cook Your Eggs Properly
Beyond blood spots, you should always store and cook your eggs properly. If your eggs are store-bought, you should keep them in the fridge. Farm fresh eggs can be left at room temperature, however, ensure that where they are stored doesn’t have too much light and isn’t too warm. Don’t consume eggs with cracks in the shells – this is a prime opportunity for bacteria to enter that egg. Once cooked, eggs can last in the fridge for up to one week.
When cooking, always wash your hands before handling the eggs. Wash them afterward, as well. Cook the eggs until both the egg yolk and white are firm. Consuming any amount of raw egg increases your risk of salmonella poisoning. If you are making a recipe that requires the use of undercooked or raw eggs, be sure to use eggs that have been pasteurized to treat salmonella and other bacteria. This will also help to reduce your risk of developing food poisoning.
When transporting eggs, keep them at the appropriate temperature. If you are packing them in a lunch pail or picnic basket, ensure that they are in a cooler or next to an ice pack to keep them cold. Of course, keep them out of direct sunlight.
Finally, know the signs of food poisoning. Vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps are all symptoms. Other flu symptoms such as muscle pain, headache, and fever are also included. Visit your doctor, who can help give you what you need to successfully combat your food-borne illness. Rest and drink plenty of fluids. Finally, report your food-borne illness to the FDA. Sometimes it is a one-off thing, but other times it is the result of a wider problem that could potentially affect hundreds or even thousands of people.
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