FDA Says Eat Your Eggs: It's Okay

June 18, 2001

Contrary to some mistaken recent media reports, the 1999 Food and Drug Administration Food Code does not prohibit restaurants from serving sunny-side-up or over-easy eggs, FDA says. The Food Code, which is non-binding FDA guidance on restaurant safety, says that if less thoroughly-cooked egg dishes are served in restaurants, consumers should be provided with an advisory -- on menus, brochures or other written materials -- that there is an increased risk associated with eating undercooked eggs especially for vulnerable consumers.

Restaurants and other retail establishments should continue to follow their local and state health regulations covering food service establishments, many of which have adopted the FDA Food Code, the agency said. There is a new FDA rule relating to egg safety. However, it provides safe handling instructions to consumers and does not regulate restaurants. This final rule dated December 2000 will take effect on Sept. 4 and states that egg cartons sold in supermarkets and other retail establishments must bear safe handling instructions. This label is an advisory to advise consumers, especially those most vulnerable to food-borne illness, about the potential of illness from Salmonella enteritidis.

This rule is one part of the larger Egg Safety Action Plan, a farm-to-table approach for ensuring the safety of the nation's egg supply. For more information on the Egg Safety Action Plan go to http://www.foodsafety.gov.