Registered dietician-nutritionists have warned Nigerians against boiling unwashed eggs and rice together in the same pot, saying the practice could increase the risk of cross-contamination and foodborne infections.
The nutrition experts said bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli may be present on eggshells and could potentially be transferred to rice during cooking.
They acknowledged that some people combine the two foods to save cooking time, water, cooking fuel and utensils, particularly amid the rising cost of household expenses. However, the experts advised Nigerians to prioritise food safety over the convenience of cooking both foods together.
Experts Explain the Cross-Contamination Risk
A Registered Dietitian-Nutritionist and former Director of Nutrition Services and Health Education at the Osun State Primary Health Care Development Board, James Oloyede, said cooking eggs and rice together could create a risk of bacterial cross-contamination.
According to him, bacteria such as Salmonella can be present on the surface of eggshells and may come into contact with the rice during the cooking process.
He explained that rice begins absorbing water as soon as it is placed in a cooking pot.
As the water heats up, the rice grains absorb the water, potentially allowing contaminants in the cooking water to come into contact with the rice.
Oloyede said the concern is particularly related to the period before the water reaches a full boil, when temperatures are gradually increasing.
Eggshells Can Crack During Cooking
The nutritionist also pointed to another problem associated with boiling eggs together with rice.
According to him, eggshells can sometimes crack during cooking, allowing portions of the egg to escape into the rice.
This could affect the appearance, taste and odour of the cooked rice.
Oloyede explained that cooking eggs separately reduces the possibility of egg contents spilling into rice during the cooking process.
Why Some Nigerians Cook Eggs and Rice Together
The practice has become common among some Nigerians because of the need to reduce cooking time and fuel consumption.
With the cost of cooking gas and other household expenses increasing, some people have adopted methods of preparing multiple foods in the same pot.
Oloyede acknowledged the economic reason behind the practice but said food safety should remain a priority.
He noted that the financial consequences of treating a foodborne infection, as well as lost working hours and reduced productivity, could outweigh the money saved on cooking fuel.
Nutritionist Warns About Possible Health Effects
Another Registered Dietitian-Nutritionist, Charles Oguikpe, also advised Nigerians against cooking eggs in the same pot with rice.
He said contaminants that may be present on eggshells could potentially be transferred to the rice, describing the process as cross-contamination.
According to Oguikpe, foodborne bacterial infections can cause symptoms such as stomach cramps, diarrhoea and fever.
He added that severe infections could lead to more serious health complications.
Where Can Bacteria on Eggshells Come From?
Oguikpe explained that contamination of eggshells can occur through contact with poultry droppings from chickens that lay the eggs.
He noted that washing eggshells may reduce contamination but cannot necessarily guarantee that all harmful microorganisms have been eliminated.
For this reason, he advised consumers to avoid allowing the outer surface of eggs to come into direct contact with food that is being cooked.
Experts Recommend Cooking Eggs and Rice Separately
The nutritionists advised Nigerians to cook eggs and rice separately as a safer approach.
Oloyede said separating the cooking processes can help reduce the possibility of contaminants from the eggshell reaching the rice.
After the egg has been properly cooked, the shell can then be removed before the egg is eaten or served.
Food Safety Should Come First
The warning comes amid discussions online about the practice, with some Nigerians sharing their experiences and reasons for cooking eggs and rice together.
While saving time and cooking fuel may appear convenient, nutrition experts say consumers should consider the potential consequences of poor food-handling practices.
Proper food preparation, safe handling and adequate cooking remain important measures for reducing the risk of foodborne illness.
For households that prefer to eat rice and boiled eggs together, nutritionists recommend preparing the two foods separately and combining them only after the egg has been properly cooked and peeled.
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