Have you ever cracked open an egg and noticed a tiny red spot inside?
If so, what was your reaction?
Did you throw the egg away, or did you simply keep cooking without giving it much thought? Many people are unsure whether eggs with these spots are still good to eat. In this article, we’ll explore what causes these marks, what they mean, and whether they’re safe for consumption.
Are Eggs with Red Spots Safe to Eat?
Those surprising red marks inside eggs can make anyone pause. Some might immediately think the egg is bad or unsafe and toss it out. But the truth is, these small red spots are harmless and don’t indicate anything unhealthy. They’re more common than you might expect and don’t pose a risk when handled properly. So, if you’re ever unsure about whether to keep cooking that egg with a red spot, read on—we’ll clear it all up.
Yes, eggs with blood spots are completely safe to eat if they’re fully cooked. These spots are not dangerous and won’t cause any harm. You can cook the egg as usual or, if you prefer, remove the spot with the tip of a knife before preparing your dish.
In some cases, you may see tiny brown specks in the egg white, often called “meat spots.” These are just bits of tissue that may have been picked up as the egg was forming. They are also safe to eat. However, if the egg white looks red, green, or pink throughout, it’s best to discard it—this can be a sign of bacterial contamination that could lead to illness.
How Common Are Red Spots in Eggs?
Red spots in eggs occur in fewer than 1% of cases, so they’re not very common, especially in store-bought eggs. Commercial eggs go through a screening process called “candling,” where a light shines through the egg to detect any internal flaws. Most eggs with red spots are removed before they ever reach the shelf.
However, if you’re using farm-fresh eggs, you might notice these spots more often. That’s because these eggs aren’t always subjected to the same inspection process. Also, eggs with brown shells may have more red spots, as the darker color makes spotting imperfections more difficult during grading.
What Causes These Spots in Eggs?
There’s a common myth that a red spot means the egg was fertilized—but that’s not true. These spots appear when a small blood vessel in the hen’s ovary or reproductive tract bursts during the formation of the egg. This happens naturally and isn’t harmful.
Egg Storage and Safe Cooking Practices
Aside from red spots, it’s important to store and cook eggs properly to avoid health risks. Store-bought eggs should always be refrigerated, while fresh eggs from backyard farms can stay at room temperature if kept in a cool, dark place. Never use eggs with cracked shells, as they can let in harmful bacteria.
Cooked eggs should be stored in the refrigerator and eaten within a week. Always wash your hands before and after handling eggs. Make sure to cook eggs thoroughly—both yolk and white should be firm. Eating undercooked or raw eggs increases the chance of getting sick.
If a recipe needs raw eggs, use pasteurized ones to lower the risk of foodborne illness.
When traveling or packing eggs for lunch, use an ice pack or cooler to keep them cold. Never leave eggs in the sun or a hot car, as bacteria can grow rapidly.
Stay alert for symptoms of food poisoning—such as nausea, diarrhea, cramps, fever, or fatigue. If these signs appear, seek medical help. You can also report any suspected food-related illness to the appropriate food safety authority to help protect others.
In Conclusion
Although red spots in eggs might look alarming, they are totally harmless and safe to eat when cooked well. These spots are caused by minor breaks in blood vessels during egg formation and have nothing to do with fertilization.
Since fewer than 1% of eggs have these marks, and most are removed during inspection, you’re unlikely to see them often—unless you’re using farm-fresh eggs.
The key is to always handle, store, and cook your eggs safely. Ensure both the white and yolk are cooked through to reduce the risk of foodborne illness. With the right precautions, you can enjoy your eggs without worry and stay healthy at the same time.