Why shouldn't you keep eggs in the fridge?

You generally should refrigerate eggs in the U.S. because they are washed, removing the natural protective cuticle, making them vulnerable to bacteria; however, you shouldn't store them in the fridge door due to temperature fluctuations, and taking cold eggs out can cause condensation, promoting bacterial growth on the shell. In countries where eggs aren't washed, refrigeration isn't needed, but once washed or refrigerated, eggs must stay cold.

Do eggs really go bad if refrigerated?

As a general rule, eggs are good for 6 weeks. Those who support the refrigeration of eggs say that you can keep eggs in the fridge for up to 100 days at the right temperature and humidity level (like we talked about above). Washed eggs have been proven to spoil within a month or less.

Why do Europeans not put their eggs in the fridge?

Eggs aren't refrigerated in Europe because they keep their natural protective outer layer (the cuticle) by not being washed, and hens are often vaccinated against Salmonella, allowing storage at room temperature, unlike in the U.S. where washing removes the cuticle, necessitating refrigeration to prevent bacteria from entering the shell. Washing eggs, a common practice in the U.S., strips this cuticle, making eggs porous and dependent on refrigeration for safety, a process banned in the EU. 

Why are eggs not refrigerated in supermarkets?

Most modern supermarkets are kept below 20°C so it is not necessary for retailers to refrigerate their eggs. Not refrigerating eggs in store also prevents significant temperature fluctuations (for example eggs being moved from a fridge to a hot car after purchase).

How long can eggs be unrefrigerated?

Refrigerated eggs (like those bought in U.S. stores) should not stay out of the fridge for more than two hours, or one hour if the temperature is 90°F (32°C) or above, as bacteria multiply rapidly in the "danger zone" (40°F-140°F). Unwashed, farm-fresh eggs that have never been refrigerated can stay out for weeks. 

Should You Store Eggs in the Fridge?

Why do Mexicans not refrigerate eggs?

Eggs aren't refrigerated in Mexico because they retain their natural, protective outer layer (cuticle) which keeps bacteria out, unlike U.S. eggs that are washed, making them porous and requiring refrigeration. This natural coating, left intact in Mexico and many other countries, allows eggs to be stored safely at room temperature for weeks, often sold in markets alongside produce. 

Why are US eggs banned in Europe?

While the eggs may look nearly identical across the pond, American eggs would be illegal if sold in the U.K. (and the reverse is true, too) due to the different laws regarding egg washing and sanitizing.

Why do they wash eggs in the US?

Prompted by concerns about spoilage and foodborne illnesses, U.S. egg producers and processors began washing and refrigerating their eggs in the early 1970s. Other countries soon followed suit, and eggs are now washed and refrigerated in Canada, Japan, and Scandinavia.

Why is milk refrigerated in the US?

“The result is there are only a few bacteria in the milk, even after pasteurization, that can eventually cause the milk to spoil over time. Refrigeration slows down the growth of these spoilage bacteria so you can enjoy your milk for longer.”

Can I eat eggs that have been in my fridge for 2 months?

You can likely eat eggs that have been in your fridge for 2 months if they've been properly refrigerated, as USDA guidelines say they're good for 3-5 weeks past the sell-by date, but for 2 months (around 8 weeks), you should perform a float test and always cook them thoroughly to ensure safety, as quality declines and Salmonella is a risk even in stored eggs, though 2 months is pushing the recommended timeframe. 

Does the egg float test really work?

The egg float test works to indicate an egg's age by revealing the size of its internal air cell, but it's not a perfect indicator of whether an egg is rotten, as a very old but still edible egg might sink, and a spoiled egg with a large air cell might float. A fresh egg sinks and lies flat, while an older one might stand on its end; floating eggs are generally old and less fresh, but the ultimate test for spoilage is cracking it open and checking for off-smells or discoloration.
 

What are the signs of salmonella in eggs?

Most people infected with Salmonella develop diarrhea, fever, abdominal cramps, and vomiting 12 to 72 hours after infection. Symptoms usually last 4 to 7 days and most people get better without treatment. However, in some people, the diarrhea may be so severe that they need to be hospitalized.

Why do supermarkets not refrigerate eggs?

Supermarkets churn through stock quickly so, in theory, they don't need to refrigerate them and can rely on that natural protective coating for the short time that the eggs are on their shelves. That said, always check dates on shop-bought eggs and choose the freshest ones to ensure minimal time on shelf.

Is the USA the only country that refrigerated eggs?

If you've been to a country other than the USA, you might have! Most countries do not store their eggs in refrigerators. Instead, they leave them out at room temperature. This might seem like a food safety hazard, but both methods are safe.

Why is milk not refrigerated in Mexico?

Both methods of pasteurization ensure that milk is fresh and safe, but the UHT pasteurization method makes milk shelf-stable, which means that it does not require refrigeration for storage.

Why do farm fresh eggs not have to be refrigerated?

You don't have to refrigerate farm-fresh eggs because they have a natural, invisible coating called the cuticle or "bloom" that seals the shell's pores, preventing bacteria from entering and moisture from escaping, keeping them fresh at room temperature for weeks. However, once eggs are washed, this protective layer is removed (like with most store-bought eggs in the US), making them vulnerable to bacteria, so they must be refrigerated. 

How to prevent food poisoning from eggs?

Don't keep eggs out of the refrigerator more than 2 hours. Cook dishes containing raw eggs immediately or refrigerate and cook within 24 hours. Cook casseroles and other dishes containing eggs to a safe minimum internal temperature of 160 degrees F. Use a food thermometer to be sure.

Why are eggs not refrigerated in Europe?

Eggs aren't refrigerated in Europe because they keep their natural protective outer layer (the cuticle) by not being washed, and hens are often vaccinated against Salmonella, allowing storage at room temperature, unlike in the U.S. where washing removes the cuticle, necessitating refrigeration to prevent bacteria from entering the shell. Washing eggs, a common practice in the U.S., strips this cuticle, making eggs porous and dependent on refrigeration for safety, a process banned in the EU. 

Should you peel boiled eggs immediately?

Let them chill in that water for at least 15 minutes or, better yet, in the fridge overnight. Peel under cool running water. No baking, no pricking, no tricks, no gimmicks, that's it.

What happens if I eat 5 eggs every day?

Most healthy people can eat up to seven eggs a week without increasing their risk of heart disease. Some studies have shown that this level of egg consumption might even help prevent certain types of stroke and a serious eye condition called macular degeneration that can lead to blindness.

Should you boil water before you add eggs?

Yes, you generally boil the water first, then gently add eggs for perfectly cooked, easy-to-peel boiled eggs, as this method provides better timing control and prevents the egg white from binding too tightly to the membrane, unlike starting in cold water which can lead to difficult peeling. Use a slotted spoon to lower eggs into the boiling water, then reduce heat to a simmer, cook to your desired doneness, and immediately transfer to an ice bath to stop cooking.