New York City Food Protection Practice Test

What is the minimum cooking temperature for shell eggs?

1. 145°F

2. 150°F

3. 140°F

4. 165°F

The correct answer is: 145°F

The minimum cooking temperature for shell eggs is 145°F. This temperature ensures that the eggs are cooked sufficiently to eliminate the risk of foodborne illnesses, particularly those caused by Salmonella, which can be present in raw or undercooked eggs. Cooking eggs to at least this temperature allows the proteins in the egg whites and yolks to coagulate, leading to a safe and properly cooked product. While some may consider temperatures above 145°F for eggs, such as 150°F, those temperatures actually apply to different types of foods or specific preparation methods. The critical point is that reaching 145°F is sufficient to ensure food safety for shell eggs, according to the FDA's food safety guidelines.