Why cooking eggs and rice in one pot is dangerous – Nutritionists

Registered dietitian-nutritionists have urged Nigerians to stop boiling unpeeled, unwashed eggs and rice in the same pot to reduce the risk of cross-contamination and foodborne infections.

In interviews with PUNCH Healthwise, the experts said bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli may be present on eggshells and could spread to the rice during cooking.

They explained that water passes through a warm stage before boiling, giving bacteria a chance to survive and transfer to the rice. Cracked shells may also let egg spill into the rice, altering its taste, appearance and odour.

James Oloyede, former Director of Nutrition Services and Health Education at the Osun State Primary Health Care Development Board, said, “But of course, the safest way of cooking egg and rice is to boil them separately. That’s the safest way.”

Another nutritionist, Charles Oguikpe, said cross-contamination could cause stomach cramps, diarrhoea and fever, while severe cases could result in kidney complications.

“So it is something that we really need to avoid. Boiling your eggs at the same time with rice,” Oguikpe warned.

The warning follows a viral post on X, where users shared experiences of food contamination after eating rice and eggs boiled together. Many Nigerians reportedly combine the foods to save time, water and fuel.