Have you ever cracked an egg and found a red blood spot inside? If so, did you discard it or continue cooking? Many are unsure whether eggs with blood spots are still safe to eat. In this article, we’ll explain why these spots appear, their significance, and whether the eggs are still safe to consume.

Are Eggs with Blood Spots Safe to Eat?
Yes, they are safe to eat as long as they are properly cooked. The spots are harmless and won’t cause illness. If you prefer, you can remove the spot before cooking with a small knife. Similarly, brown meat spots in the egg white are also harmless. However, if the egg white is red, pink, or green, discard it as it may indicate bacterial growth.

How Common Are Eggs with Blood Spots?
Less than 1% of eggs have blood spots. Store-bought eggs are rarely found with them because of a grading process called “candling,” which identifies and removes them. However, farm-fresh eggs are more likely to contain blood spots as they don’t go through the same grading process. Brown eggs are also more prone to having spots due to their darker shells.

Why Do Some Eggs Have Blood Spots?
Blood spots occur when tiny blood vessels in the hen’s ovaries or oviduct rupture. If the spot is in the yolk, it indicates bleeding in the ovary. If it’s in the white, the bleeding occurred after the egg was released into the oviduct. Contrary to common belief, blood spots do not mean the egg was fertilized.

Always Cook Your Eggs Properly
Store eggs in the fridge (for store-bought) or at room temperature (for farm-fresh). Avoid consuming eggs with cracked shells. After handling eggs, wash your hands before and after. Cook eggs until both the yolk and white are firm to reduce the risk of salmonella. For recipes using raw eggs, use pasteurized eggs to reduce the risk of food poisoning.

Egg Transportation Tips
When transporting eggs, keep them cold by placing them in a cooler or next to an ice pack. Avoid exposing them to direct sunlight.

Signs of Food Poisoning
If you experience symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, or flu-like symptoms, see a doctor for treatment. Stay hydrated and rest. Report any food-borne illness to the FDA to help prevent further issues.