Health risk Dispose of egg cartons after a single use

Do not reuse egg cartons - otherwise you risk health risks

According to experts, every German produces on average around 220 kilos of packaging waste per year. It is therefore to be welcomed when consumers reuse packaging. For egg cartons, however, this environmental protection measure should be avoided. Because on the boxes lurking harmful germs.

Eggs are healthier than their reputation

Although eggs have long been suspected to increase cholesterol in the human body, recent research has shown that many health professionals have avoided such warnings. It is often pointed out now how healthy eggs are for humans. They contain not only valuable protein, but also valuable minerals such as iron and zinc and vitamins A, E and K. However, eggs and their packaging often contain harmful germs. This is also the reason why egg cartons should not be reused.

Egg cartons should not be reused. Otherwise, fresh eggs could be contaminated by the packaging with salmonella hazardous to health. (Image: womue / fotolia.com)

Protect food from contamination

If you use packaging several times, you avoid waste and thus do something for environmental protection.

For egg cartons this should be better avoided - otherwise the health could be affected.

According to the German Food Hygiene Regulation (LMHV), it is not expressly forbidden to use the cartons a second or third time, but there are certain requirements.

Accordingly, food must be protected from contamination during manufacture, storage and transportation.

Pathogens can get onto fresh eggs

But on egg cartons, which are used several times, are also likely to find pathogens such as salmonella.

They are therefore considered dirty and unhygienic. In addition, reusable packaging must be easy to clean, according to the LMHV.

This is almost impossible with conventional cardboard egg cartons.

Anyone who packs fresh eggs in an old carton has to expect that the new products will infect with germs such as salmonella.

This endangers both the health of one's own and those of others.

Bacteria can cause gastrointestinal diseases

Salmonella are bacteria that can cause severe stomach / bowel disease (salmonellosis).

The disease occurs several hours to days after infection and manifests itself mainly by sudden onset of diarrhea, abdominal pain, malaise, feeling cold and headache.

In some cases, vomiting and mild fever are added.

The symptoms usually disappear after a few hours or days.

However, for infants, young children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems, fluid loss due to diarrhea and vomiting can be dangerous. (Ad)