Yes, you can drink egg whites, but there are crucial considerations regarding their safety.
Understanding Egg White Consumption
The key factor in determining whether it's safe to drink egg whites depends on their pasteurization status. Here's a breakdown:
- Pasteurized Egg Whites: These are safe to consume without cooking. Pasteurization is a process that heats the egg whites to a temperature sufficient to kill harmful bacteria like Salmonella, making them safe for drinking. You can find pasteurized liquid egg whites in cartons at most grocery stores. (2)
- Raw Egg Whites (from unpasteurized eggs): These can be unsafe to drink. Unpasteurized eggs carry a risk of Salmonella contamination, which can lead to food poisoning. (2)
Safe Consumption Practices
To ensure you're drinking egg whites safely, follow these guidelines:
- Always check for pasteurization: If you are considering drinking egg whites, only use those that are clearly labeled as pasteurized. Look for cartons of liquid egg whites in grocery stores. (2)
- Avoid raw egg whites from whole eggs (unless pasteurized): Do not drink the whites from raw eggs unless you know the whole egg has been pasteurized. If you are unsure about the pasteurization status of a whole egg, it's best to cook the whites before consuming them. (2)
- Proper storage: Store pasteurized egg whites in the refrigerator according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Consider cooking methods: If you're unsure about the pasteurization status of your egg whites, err on the side of caution and cook them by scrambling, baking, or boiling, which will eliminate any risk of harmful bacteria.
Examples of Safe and Unsafe Practices:
- Safe: Using pasteurized liquid egg whites from a carton for smoothies or protein shakes.
- Unsafe: Drinking the white of a raw egg taken directly from the shell because it has not been pasteurized.
| Egg White Type | Safety for Drinking | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pasteurized Liquid | Safe | Must be clearly labeled as pasteurized and stored properly. |
| Raw (from whole eggs) | Unsafe | Always cook or use only if you are certain the whole egg was pasteurized. |
Conclusion
You can drink egg whites, but only if they are pasteurized. Drinking raw egg whites that have not been pasteurized is not recommended.
