Yes. In most cases, an egg with a small red spot is safe to cook and enjoy, as long as it is fully cooked. The spot may look concerning, but it does not indicate harm. If you prefer, you can gently lift it out with the tip of a small utensil before preparing the egg. Many people do this purely for visual reasons, not safety.
However, unusually colored egg whites—such as pink, green, or distinctly red throughout—should be set aside. These rare signs can indicate that the egg is no longer fresh enough to enjoy safely. When in doubt, it’s always best to choose a different egg.
How Common Are These Red Spots?
Fewer than one egg in a hundred contains a red spot. This is particularly true for eggs sold in grocery stores, where most undergo a grading process called candling. A bright light is used to check the inside of the egg for imperfections, and eggs with noticeable spots are typically removed before packaging.
This sorting process is not about safety, but about appearance. Most shoppers prefer eggs that look clean and consistent, so stores simply avoid stocking eggs with visible spots.
Farm-fresh eggs are a different story. Because they are not usually graded in the same way, these occasional natural markings are more likely to appear. Brown-shelled eggs may also show spots more often because the darker shell makes these tiny imperfections harder to spot during inspection.
Why Do These Spots Form?Continue reading…
