Nursing home cafeteria staff are creating new menu items for breakfast. What item is not safe to serve?

Soft boiled eggs are not considered safe to serve, especially in nursing home settings, because they may not be cooked thoroughly enough to eliminate the risk of pathogens such as Salmonella. Unlike scrambled eggs, which are typically cooked to a higher temperature ensuring that they reach a safe internal temperature throughout, soft boiled eggs have a runny yolk and may retain bacteria if not cooked properly.

In addition, vulnerable populations such as those in nursing homes, including the elderly or those with weakened immune systems, are at a higher risk for foodborne illnesses. Therefore, menu items prepared in a way that may leave them undercooked should be avoided to ensure the health and safety of the residents. Foods like pancakes and oatmeal are generally safe as they are cooked thoroughly, eliminating the risk of harmful bacteria.