# Egg Coffee Trend Carries Real Health Warnings for Families
Egg coffee, a Vietnamese drink gaining traction on TikTok, uses raw or lightly cooked egg yolks whipped with sweetened condensed milk and served atop hot coffee. The creamy texture appeals to social media users, but health experts warn parents about serious risks.
Raw or undercooked eggs carry salmonella contamination risk. This foodborne illness causes severe diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps in children and immunocompromised family members. The CDC estimates salmonella sickens over 1.3 million Americans annually, with severe cases requiring hospitalization.
The infection poses particular danger to young children whose immune systems remain developing. Infants under six months, children with chronic illnesses, and elderly relatives face heightened vulnerability. Pregnant women should also avoid this drink entirely, as salmonella can cross the placenta and harm fetal development.
Even pasteurized eggs carry small contamination risks if handling isn't sterile. Many viral TikTok videos show home preparation without proper food safety measures. Users whip raw yolks in glasses or bowls, sometimes with bare hands or unwashed utensils, multiplying bacterial exposure.
Healthline consulted food safety experts who emphasize that traditional Vietnamese cafes often use pasteurized eggs or cook yolks to safe temperatures. Home versions rarely meet these standards. The trend overlooks this critical distinction.
Parents should know pasteurized eggs exist and cost only slightly more than conventional ones. They eliminate salmonella risk while preserving the drink's texture. Alternatively, cooking egg yolks to 160 degrees Fahrenheit kills harmful bacteria.
For families curious about trying egg coffee, purchasing from established Vietnamese cafes ensures proper preparation. Homemade versions require pasteurized eggs