Eggs are a comforting favourite on breakfast menus. Part of why we love them is because we can use them in so many ways. They’re easy to prepare and a great source of nutrition. But in residential aged care, the runny egg has become the (gooey) centre of a debate about food safety and resident choice.
Food safety is very important in aged care. Older people are at higher risk of foodborne illnesses (food poisoning) due to changes their bodies go through with age. Salmonella bacteria can be found in raw or undercooked eggs, so they can be a serious health threat to older people.
Food standards and safety in Australia
Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) develop and manage food safety standards under the Food Standards Code to make sure food is safe to eat. Under the food safety standards, businesses that serve food to vulnerable people must have a documented and valid food safety program. This must be regularly monitored and reviewed as directed. Residential aged care services must have a food safety program and it should describe the steps they take to manage risks and make sure food provided is safe.
Australian state and territory governments are responsible for making sure the Food Standards Code is understood and followed in line with state and territory laws. There may be specific requirements for food safety, depending on which state or territory you are in. It is important that you understand what rules and regulations apply to your service. Contact your local food regulatory agency for more information.
Balancing risks and choice
Runny eggs are a high-risk food. However, many older people enjoy – and ask for – soft-boiled, poached, or sunny-side-up eggs. Sometimes there are other choices available that can be a good substitute for risky foods. FSANZ advises of alternatives and precautions that can be taken to safely provide food to help meet preferences.
Residential aged care providers must balance the health risks with older people’s right to choice and they must document the decisions they make. Risk doesn’t mean restriction. It means managing food safety with dignity and respect.
It’s reasonable for you to talk with older people about safer foods that you can offer instead. Our food, nutrition and dining resources can help you support choice:
- Supporting choice about food and drink in aged care
- Resident feedback on mealtime experiences: a call to listen and act
- More than a meal: how thoughtful menus transform residential mealtimes.
For many older people, runny eggs remind them of family breakfasts and comfort food from childhood. Respecting food preferences isn’t only about enjoyment. It’s about identity, independence and culture. Food isn’t just fuel in aged care. It’s one of the last ways older people can exercise choice. If they want runny eggs, we owe it to them to find a safe way to support their choice.
External resources:
- Safe food for older people - advice for businesses | Food Standards Australia New Zealand
- Food safety for older people | Food Standards Australia New Zealand
- Food safety for vulnerable people Food Standards Australia New Zealand
- Safe Food Australia: A guide to the food safety standards
ACQSC resources:
- Goal planning tool – a planning document for providers to improve food, dining, nutrition, and consumer choice
- Food and dining preferences fact sheet – a planning sheet for recording an older person’s food and dining preferences
