KUALA TERENGGANU: More than 70,000 chicken eggs that scattered after a lorry carrying the load overturned in an accident in Kemaman on Wednesday (Feb 19)are unsafe to eat, as they have been exposed to potential contamination from the surrounding area.
Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) Food Biochemistry and Biophysics Lecturer Assoc Prof Dr Mohamad Khairi Mohd Zainol explained that several dangerous bacteria can contaminate eggs. These include Salmonella, Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, Clostridium perfringens, and Staphylococcus aureus.
According to him, most of these bacteria are commonly found in eggs, especially if there is a crack in the shell.
"Salmonella can cause food poisoning, diarrhoea, fever and stomach cramps, while E. coli can contaminate eggs if it comes into contact with dirt, feces or other environmental contaminants.
"Some bacteria thrive in moist environments and can contaminate eggs if exposed to soil or road debris.
"It also poses a great risk to pregnant women, newborns and individuals with weak immune systems," he said when contacted by Sinar Harian on Thursday (Feb 20).
Mohamad Khairi said that any broken and cracked eggs should be thrown away because bacteria can contaminate them.
"Unbroken eggs may still be safe if they are not exposed to dirt, fuel or dangerous chemicals from the road.
"However, they need to be washed properly and checked for freshness before use through a float test.
"The test can be done by placing the eggs in water. Fresh eggs will sink, while bad eggs will float," he explained.
On Wednesday, Sinar Harian reported that over 70,000 chicken eggs were scattered after the lorry carrying them overturned in an incident at Kilometer 293.8 of the East Coast Highway 2 (LPT2) after exiting the Chukai Toll Plaza in Kemaman.
Lorry driver Mohd Izzat Izzudin, 25, said that the lorry he was in with a friend skidded to the left side of the road and overturned after apparently being struck from behind by a refrigerated goods lorry at approximately 5.30 am.
He explained that the incident occurred while they were delivering egg supplies from Raub, Pahang, to Kuala Terengganu.
Mohd Izzat mentioned that the company owner had permitted the eggs to be given to the public to facilitate swift cleaning of the accident area and to avoid waste.
Subsequently, the public seized the opportunity to collect the eggs that had been scattered following the lorry's overturning at KM293.8 of LPT2 in Kemaman on Wednesday.
