Royal icing is a popular choice for decorating cakes, cookies, and other baked goods due to its smooth texture and ability to hold intricate designs. However, a common concern among bakers is whether royal icing is safe to eat, especially considering that traditional recipes often include raw egg whites. In this article, we'll explore the safety of royal icing and provide tips on how to enjoy it without the risk of food - borne illness.

### The Risk of Raw Egg Whites in Royal Icing
Raw egg whites can potentially contain Salmonella, a type of bacteria that can cause food poisoning. Symptoms of Salmonella infection include diarrhea, fever, abdominal cramps, and vomiting. The risk is relatively low, but it's still a concern, especially for young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems. When making royal icing with raw egg whites, there's a chance that these harmful bacteria could be present, putting consumers at risk.

### Safe Alternatives to Raw Egg Whites
Fortunately, there are several safe alternatives to using raw egg whites in royal icing. One option is to use pasteurized egg whites. Pasteurization is a process that heats the eggs to a specific temperature for a set period of time, killing any harmful bacteria while still maintaining the egg's functionality. You can find pasteurized egg whites in cartons at most grocery stores. They are a convenient and safe option for making royal icing.

Another alternative is to use meringue powder. Meringue powder is a dehydrated mixture of egg whites, sugar, and stabilizers. It's specifically designed to be used in recipes like royal icing and eliminates the need for raw eggs altogether. To make royal icing with meringue powder, simply combine it with water and a bit of lemon juice or cream of tartar for added stability. The resulting icing has a similar texture and taste to traditional royal icing made with raw eggs.

### Tips for Making Safe Royal Icing
If you choose to use pasteurized egg whites or meringue powder, here are some tips to ensure your royal icing is safe and delicious:

• Follow the recipe carefully: Whether you're using a recipe from a trusted cookbook or an online source, make sure to follow it exactly. This includes using the correct proportions of ingredients and following the mixing instructions.
• Store properly: Once you've made your royal icing, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Royal icing can last for several days in the fridge, but make sure to bring it to room temperature before using it for decorating.
• Keep it clean: Always use clean utensils and bowls when making royal icing. Wash your hands thoroughly before handling the ingredients, and make sure your work surface is clean. This helps prevent the introduction of bacteria into the icing.
• Test for consistency: Royal icing should have a smooth, spreadable consistency. If it's too thick, you can add a bit of water to thin it out. If it's too thin, you can add a bit more powdered sugar. Testing the consistency before using it for decorating ensures that your designs will turn out well.

### Recipes for Safe Royal Icing
Here are a couple of recipes for safe royal icing that you can try:

Pasteurized Egg White Royal Icing

• 1/2 cup pasteurized egg whites
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the pasteurized egg whites and lemon juice. Using an electric mixer, beat on low speed until foamy.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one - quarter cup at a time, beating on medium speed after each addition. Continue beating until the icing is smooth and holds stiff peaks.
3. Use immediately for decorating or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Meringue Powder Royal Icing

• 1/4 cup meringue powder
• 1/2 cup water
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar

Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the meringue powder, water, and cream of tartar. Using an electric mixer, beat on low speed until the powder is dissolved.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one - quarter cup at a time, beating on medium speed after each addition. Continue beating until the icing is smooth and holds stiff peaks.
3. Use immediately for decorating or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

In conclusion, royal icing can be safe to eat as long as you take the necessary precautions. By using pasteurized egg whites or meringue powder and following proper food safety practices, you can enjoy beautifully decorated baked goods without worrying about the risk of food - borne illness. So go ahead and get creative with your royal icing designs!