The avian flu outbreak is making it harder to produce eggs, which has led to higher prices and shortages of eggs and egg-based products. Unfortunately, this situation may continue as more poultry flocks are affected.
But here’s some good news: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says there are no food safety concerns related to eggs, as long as you follow proper handling and cooking steps to reduce any risk of contamination.
How This Affects Your Community
Here are two ways to navigate this challenge while keeping your menus safe and delicious:
Option #1: Keep Serving Eggs with Careful Handling
- Use pasteurized eggs whenever possible, as they are specially treated to remove harmful bacteria, including avian flu.
- If pasteurized eggs are hard to get, make sure to follow strict handling and preparation guidelines when using regular shell eggs.
- Avoid soft-cooked, undercooked, or sunny-side-up eggs made from unpasteurized eggs. Be sure to cook them thoroughly to the proper temperature.
- Stick to any local or company guidelines about how to store and prepare eggs.
Option #2: Adjust Your Menus to Cut Back on Eggs
You can still provide balanced meals while reducing egg usage. Here are a few ideas:
Breakfast Tweaks:
- Are eggs served every day at breakfast? Consider offering eggs only on certain days or by request. Remember that one egg typically counts as one ounce of protein, so be sure to make an appropriate substitute.
- Stretch your eggs by serving them in scrambles, quiches, egg bakes, or baked omelets more often.
- Consider breakfast meats (e.g., ham or sausage) as a substitute for eggs.
- Introduce other protein-rich choices, such as cottage cheese, yogurt, nut butters, smoothies, tofu veggie scrambles, or fruit-filled crepes with cream cheese and Nutella.
Alternative Protein Options:
- Use plant-based proteins like beans, tofu, quinoa, or soy-based meat substitutes.
- You can also use dry milk powder or protein powder to boost the protein content of meals.
Egg-Free Recipes:
- When baking, use commercial egg replacers if you’re making recipes from scratch.
- Avoid using egg replacers with pre-packaged mixes, as results can vary.
DiningRD Recipes to Try
While we work around the egg shortage, here are some delicious, higher-protein recipes to keep your menu fresh and satisfying!
- Fresh Apple Slices with Peanut Butter
A simple yet tasty snack that provides protein and fiber, perfect for an on-the-go breakfast or snack.
- Breakfast Sandwich
Using a hearty whole-grain bread or wrap, add ham or sausage and a slice of cheese. You can also stack on some veggies for a satisfying meal.
- Berry & Granola Yogurt Parfait
Layer Greek yogurt with fresh berries and granola for a crunchy, creamy, and protein-packed option.
- French Toast Casserole
Liquid eggs add protein to this recipe; make a large batch and serve it for breakfast or brunch. You can switch up the toppings with fresh fruit, syrups, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
- Fortified Pancakes
Try our high-protein pancakes with various flavor variations. You can add fruit or spices like cinnamon or nutmeg.
- Ham and Cheese Quiche
A savory option that’s filling and easy to make in a big batch. You can also add in some veggies to sneak in extra nutrition.
As this situation continues, we’ll keep you updated with any new information. If you have questions or need more guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out to us!