Experts Warn Against the Hidden Dangers of Drinking Eggnog

Eggnog drink is one of the staple beverages throughout the holiday season. However, did you know that there are hidden dangers of drinking eggnog? Recently, experts warn about food safety concerns associated with consuming eggnog due to salmonella risk. Here's what you need to know.

Hidden Dangers of Drinking Eggnog

(Photo : Pixabay/Jill Wellington)

During the holiday season, eggnog is a staple Christmas beverage that can warm you up even in the coldest winter days. Thus, this familiar drink has since become closely associated with holiday celebrations. This drink is made up of raw eggs and milk mixed with cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla bean.

However, acting as a litigator for food safety, Bill Marler stated that consuming raw eggs puts you at the most significant risk of contracting salmonella. Aside from being one of the most common causes of food poisoning, the bacteria can reportedly induce symptoms such as diarrhea, fever, abdominal cramps, and vomiting anywhere from 12 to 72 hours after infection, which often lasts between four and seven days. There are also certain instances in which the illness might result in hospitalization or even death, although the majority of people heal on their own.

According to Dr. Don Schaffner, professor at Rutgers University and an extension specialist in food science, the most recent estimates suggest that approximately three out of every 10,000 eggs are potentially contaminated with salmonella. It indicates that the risk posed by any one egg would be minimal.

He asserted that milk and cream are the sources of the most significant problems associated with eggnog. The dangers of consuming raw dairy products are reportedly more well-established. Schaffner also mentioned that these hazards can contribute to the development of other bacteria, such as Campylobacter, listeria, and E. coli. Moreover, the director of food safety research and testing at Consumer Reports, James E. Rogers, stated that alcohol should not be relied upon to eliminate pathogens. The concentration level is insufficient to significantly lower the likelihood of becoming unwell.

How to Safely Enjoy Eggnog

In Schaffner's opinion, packaged premade eggnog is a significantly safer option, which often goes through the process of pasteurization. Food manufacturers practice the most stringent methods for processing foods to guarantee their safety, making it safer instead of just whipping it up at your own home.

On the other hand, as per Elisa Maloberti, the American Egg Board's food safety manager, any pasteurized goods, including egg products, can foster the growth of bacteria if exposed to cross-contamination. For instance, if you were to share utensils from other foods that were either raw or cooked, you risk contamination.

In addition, Marler agreed with Maloberti and added that a salad bar's hazards might be comparable to a punchbowl full of eggnog. There are reportedly many people with whom you share the bowl and the utensils. One might be unaware of the risks to which they subject themselves. "You hope people are not infectious and are using good hygiene," he noted.