NUTRITIONISTS WARNS NIGERIANS AGAINST BOILING EGGS AND RICE TOGETHER

Registered dietician-nutritionists have urged Nigerians to stop boiling unpeeled eggs and rice together in the same pot, warning that the practice could increase the risk of cross-contamination and foodborne infections.

The experts explained that Salmonella and E. coli may be present on eggshells and could contaminate rice as both foods cook together. They noted that bacteria may survive while the water is still warming before reaching boiling point.

Speaking with PUNCH Healthwise, Registered Dietitian-Nutritionist James Oloyede said rice begins absorbing water as soon as it is placed in the pot, meaning bacteria in contaminated water could be absorbed along with it.

Oloyede said, “Cooking egg and rice together in the same pot has been found to be a risk factor in cross-contamination of certain bacteria, especially Salmonella, that can be found on the shell of the egg even after washing with the rice that is being cooked.”

“The safest way of cooking egg and rice is to boil them separately. That’s the safest way,” Oloyede said, noting that while some Nigerians combine the foods to save cooking time and gas, food safety should take priority.

Another registered dietician-nutritionist, Charles Oguikpe, warned that contaminants on eggshells could also be transferred to rice.

“Contaminants like Salmonella or E.coli can drop off on the rice. That’s what we call cross-contamination,” he said.

Oguikpe said such contamination could cause stomach cramps, diarrhoea and fever, while severe cases could result in kidney complications. He explained that the contaminants could originate from poultry droppings and might not be completely eliminated by washing the eggs.

He therefore advised Nigerians to boil eggs separately and cook rice separately.