The viral egg trend on TikTok shows users egging whole eggs in their shells, cutting them in half and frying them into small “little eggs”. The method has gained billions of views across multiple waves of the platform, resurfacing over and over again as new users discover the hack and try it out for themselves. It looks promising – small eggs make for an attractive content – but the FDA and USDA are now warning that the trick can be dangerous and should not be tried at home, citing food safety risks including possible exposure to salmonella.
Here's what food safety agencies want you to know before you try.
Why Freezing Eggs in Their Shells Creates a Food Safety Problem
The FDA and USDA warn against freezing eggs in their shells, and the reason comes down to basic physics. Liquids expand when frozen. That expansion can cause the eggshells to crack.
Cracks are the core of the problem. They don't have to be visible to cause harm. According to the agency's guidance, even when cracks are not visible to the naked eye, they can compromise the egg's protective barrier and allow bacteria to enter. An eggshell that appears perfectly intact on the outside may already be compromised in ways you can't tell by looking at it.
The agencies also note that freezing does not kill bacteria that are already present on or inside the egg. As a result, contaminated eggs may lead to foodborne illness, including salmonella. If the bacteria were present before the egg went into the freezer, they survive the hard freeze and remain a threat when the egg is later thawed, sliced and cooked.
What Salmonella Really Does to Your Body
“Salmonella is a group of bacteria that can cause a stomach illness and fever called salmonellosis,” according to the FDA. While some people may have no symptoms, others can become very ill.
The risk is higher for vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly, pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems. Because of this, officials warn that TikTok's “fried egg” trend is especially unsafe for children.
What Viral TikTok Videos Really Show
Take a look at the videos shared by TikTok promoting this trend and food safety concerns are reflected on the screen. Other clips show eggs coming out of the freezer apparently cracked before they are cut and cooked. The shells have already broken down from the liquid that builds up inside them – an issue that food safety organizations are warning about.
Commentators on the platform expressed concern about this approach. Others referenced past versions of the trend and warned about previous reports of food poisoning related to similar behavior. The trend has resurfaced on TikTok after gaining millions of views in previous waves, but the basic food security risk remains the same no matter how many times videos go viral or how many new users try this method.
How to Freeze Eggs Safely
Eggs can be safely frozen – but not in their shells. The FDA recommends cracking eggs first and then freezing them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen as whole scrambled eggs or separated whites.
Here are some important guidelines from federal food safety agencies for anyone who wants to properly refrigerate eggs:
- Frozen eggs should be used within one year.
- To prepare frozen eggs for cooking, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and cook immediately afterward.
- Thawing at room temperature is not recommended.
How Eggs Should Be Cooked to Reduce the Risk of Salmonella
Besides proper storage, the way you cook eggs is also important for food safety. USDA guidance states that eggs should be cooked until both the yolks and whites are firm to reduce the risk of salmonella. The runny yolk that many people love carries more risk than the fully cooked one.
Groups at risk – young children, pregnant people, the elderly and people with disabilities – are advised to avoid runny or uncooked eggs.
The frozen egg trend makes for attention-grabbing content on TikTok, but the food safety risks behind it are real and backed by warnings from both the FDA and USDA. If you want to freeze eggs for later use, skip the virus method. Remove the eggs from their shells first, store them well in an airtight container in the fridge and cook them thoroughly when ready to eat.
