Is It Ok to Eat Eggs with Poop on Them? An Expert Explains

You head out to the coop to gather some fresh eggs for breakfast. As you collect them, you notice one of the eggs has a smelly brown splotch on the shell. Gross! Your first instinct may be to toss it in the trash. But then your inner penny pincher pipes up: Can you just wash it off instead? Is it actually okay to eat eggs with poop on them?

If you’ve ever faced this dilemma, you’re not alone. Many backyard chicken owners have cracked open their egg baskets to find some less-than-pristine specimens. While your frustration is understandable (ew!), don’t be too quick to discard that doodoo-adorned egg.

In this article, we’ll explore whether eggs with poop on the shell can be safely eaten if cooked thoroughly or cleaned. You’ll learn why bacteria on the shell is less of a worry than inside the egg itself. We’ll also cover proper storage and handling methods to minimize contamination risks. Let’s crack this stinky mystery wide open!

Why Are There Worries About Bacteria on Poopy Eggs?

When you spot chicken droppings smeared on an egg, the first concern is the presence of bacteria. Some types that may be present include:

Salmonella – The most common cause of food poisoning from contaminated eggs. Can lead to vomiting, fever, and diarrhea.
E. coli – Produces Shiga toxin resulting in severe abdominal cramps, bloody diarrhea, and vomiting.
Campylobacter – Causes diarrhea, cramping, abdominal pain, and fever.
Listeria – Rare but dangerous infection that leads to fever, muscle aches, nausea, and loss of balance.

These bacteria naturally occur in the chicken’s intestines and feces. If poop contacts the egg, contamination can occur, especially if the egg shell is cracked.

But here’s the good news: The shell is designed as the egg’s first defense against bacterial invasion.

How An Egg’s Natural Defenses Keep Bacteria Out

While washing removes visible poop, it destroys some of the egg’s natural protectants:

Cuticle – A protein coating applied as the egg exits the hen which quickly dries and seals pores.
Shell – Composed of calcium carbonate with an estimated 7,000 tiny pores. But the cuticle seals these pores against bacteria.
Membranes – Double layer membranes provide an extra barrier if bacteria penetrates the shell.
Albumen – Proteins in the egg white contain lysozyme, an enzyme that destroys bacteria.

So while poop contacting the shell raises contamination concerns, the egg has multiple barriers to keep invaders out. An intact cuticle and shell prevent most environmental bacteria from reaching the inside.

Can You Simply Wash a Poopy Egg?

When eggs get soiled, your first instinct may be to wash off the mess. However, this is controversial.

The FDA actually prohibits commercial egg producers from washing eggs. Once washed, the protective cuticle is gone, leaving thousands of pores wide open for bacteria to sneak through.

However, small flock guidelines do approve light washing for backyard chicken eggs using very warm water (at least 20°F warmer than the egg). This helps tighten the shell’s keratin pores and push out any infiltrated bacteria.

But even with appropriate washing methods, it’s still possible for bacteria to penetrate. So err on the side of caution with washed eggs.

According to food safety experts, it’s smarter not to eat heavily soiled or washed eggs raw or undercooked.

Egg Handling and Storage Matters Too

How eggs are handled after laying also impacts safety. Bacteria can sneak in through cracked shells or be transferred from contaminated hands or surfaces. Here are some tips:

Gather eggs frequently – at least daily.
Discard any with cracked shells. They’re vulnerable to bacteria.
Place clean eggs pointy-side down in cartons. This helps seal contents in and airborne microbes out.
Refrigerate ASAP at 40°F or below. Colder temperatures slow bacteria growth.
Store in coldest part of fridge for maximum freshness.
Keep cooked dishes with eggs refrigerated. Avoid leaving at room temp more than 2 hours.

Proper handling minimizes risks, but contamination at any point from hen to plate is possible. So always cook eggs thoroughly before eating.

What’s the Verdict on Eating Poopy Eggs?

Let’s summarize what the experts say about eating eggs that have been in direct contact with chicken poop:

Visibly soiled eggs should not be eaten raw or undercooked.
Washing is controversial and may increase contamination risk. Consider soiled eggs unusable.
If washing by approved methods, cook thoroughly to destroy bacteria just to be safe.
For eggs with minor soiling on the shell, cooking thoroughly should kill any surface bacteria, making the internal contents safe to eat.
However, bacteria inside the egg itself remains a risk even with cooking.

The bottom line? It’s recommended not to eat eggs visibly smeared in poop. The bacteria load could be high, and washing is not guaranteed to remove it all. You’re better off discarding soiled eggs.

However, if eggs have only come in light contact with droppings or contained manure, thorough cooking should destroy salmonella or other contaminants. But when in doubt, remember: Safety first!

How Should You Handle and Cook Poopy Eggs?

If you want to salvage an egg with a small smear of poop, here are some safe handling tips:

Lightly dampen a paper towel and wipe off droppings spot immediately. Don’t soak the egg.
Use soapy water to thoroughly wash your hands after cleaning.
Cook the egg right away, until both yolk and white are firm. No runny eggs!
Cook to an internal temperature of 160°F to destroy salmonella and other bacteria.
Avoid raw egg-based recipes like homemade mayo or caesar dressing.
Refrigerate cooked egg dishes promptly. Discard any left at room temp more than 2 hours.

When is it Absolutely Unsafe to Eat Poopy Eggs?

As we’ve covered, thoroughly cooking eggs reduces risks greatly, even if they’ve had light manure contact.

However, as a general rule, refrain from eating eggs that are:

Visibly covered in droppings rather than just a smear.
Dirty with feces and also cracked. Bacteria can definitely penetrate.
Older than 4-5 weeks. Bacteria can multiply to dangerous levels.
Raw or undercooked in any form, especially in vulnerable groups like pregnant women, children, elderly, or immunocompromised people.

If ever in doubt, remember the old adage “When in doubt, throw it out!” Don’t take risks with foodborne illness.

The Takeaway: Practice Caution with Poop

While your chickens naturally poop in nests, take care to gather eggs frequently before they become heavily soiled. Immediately separate any visibly dirty eggs. To be extra safe, you may opt to discard badly soiled ones.

But if cooking thoroughly, eggs with minor amounts of poop on the shell are likely fine to eat. Just be vigilant about hand hygiene, refrigeration, and avoiding undercooked egg dishes.

With some smart preventative measures and proper handling, you can keep enjoying the wealth of eggs your flock provides, even if you encounter the occasional stinky surprise!