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Are raw eggs safe to eat?

Raw eggs or any products containing raw eggs should not be eaten. This includes cookie dough, cake mix, or other yet to be cooked foods that contain raw eggs.

Even though the likelihood that an egg might contain bacteria is very small, the only way to ensure that any bacteria may be present is killed is to properly cook the egg. According to the FDA Food Code, eggs for immediate consumption can be cooked to 145°F for 15 seconds.

If the eggs are to be used in a recipe with other food items, dilute the eggs with liquid or other ingredients, such as milk or sugar (at least ¼ cup liquid or sugar per egg as in custard) and cook the egg mixture to 160°F, which will destroy harmful bacteria in a few seconds. Adequate cooking brings eggs and other foods to a temperature high enough to destroy bacteria that might be present.  If a recipe calls for raw eggs, use pasteurized shell eggs or pasteurized egg products.