Eggs are nutritious and can be enjoyed in many ways. It is important to handle them properly to ensure their safety.
Since we all know that eggs are fragile and best preserved in a refrigerator, one question that often come up is how long eggs can be safely left out of the fridge.
We will explore it including other safety precautions to preserve your eggs.
Table of contents
- How Long can Eggs Sit Out?
- What are the Factors that Affect How Long Eggs Can Sit Out?
- Is It Safe to Keep Eggs on the Counter Instead of in the Fridge?
- What Happens If You Don’t Refrigerate Eggs?
- How Long Can Eggs Sit Out on the Counter and Still Be Good?
- Why Do Farm-Fresh Eggs Not Have to Be Refrigerated?
- Do You Need to Refrigerate Hard-Boiled Eggs?
- Why Aren’t Eggs Refrigerated in Other Countries?
- How To Store Eggs Safely
- Who Shouldn’t Eat Raw Eggs?
- Conclusion
- References
- Recommendations
How Long can Eggs Sit Out?
The answer is that eggs can be left out at room temperature for up to two hours.
After this time, they should be refrigerated or cooked. This is because bacteria can grow quickly at room temperature, and eggs are susceptible to contamination by Salmonella.
Salmonella is a type of bacteria that can cause food poisoning.
What are the Factors that Affect How Long Eggs Can Sit Out?
- The temperature of the room: Eggs should not be left out in a hot or humid environment.
- The condition of the eggs: Fresh eggs are more likely to be safe than older eggs.
- Washed or unwashed: Washing eggs removes their protective coating, which can make them more susceptible to bacteria growth.
Is It Safe to Keep Eggs on the Counter Instead of in the Fridge?
No, it is not safe to keep eggs on the counter instead of in the fridge. Eggs are a susceptible food item for bacteria growth, and keeping them at room temperature can increase the risk of contamination.
The bacteria Salmonella can grow quickly at room temperature, and eggs can be contaminated with Salmonella from the hen’s reproductive tract.
What Happens If You Don’t Refrigerate Eggs?
If you don’t refrigerate eggs, Salmonella bacteria can grow rapidly on the eggshell and inside the egg. This can make you sick if you eat the eggs.
Symptoms of Salmonella infection include fever, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and vomiting.
How Long Can Eggs Sit Out on the Counter and Still Be Good?
The USDA recommends that eggs be refrigerated at 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4 degrees Celsius) or below.
Eggs can be safely left out at room temperature for up to two hours. However, after two hours, they should be refrigerated or cooked.
Why Do Farm-Fresh Eggs Not Have to Be Refrigerated?
In some countries, farm-fresh eggs are not refrigerated because they are not washed before they are sold.
The protective coating on the egg, called the cuticle, helps to keep bacteria out of the egg.
However, in the United States, eggs are washed to remove dirt and debris, which can also remove the cuticle. This is why eggs in the United States need to be refrigerated.
Do You Need to Refrigerate Hard-Boiled Eggs?
Yes, you need to refrigerate hard-boiled eggs.
Just like raw eggs, hard-boiled eggs can be contaminated with Salmonella bacteria.
Hard-boiled eggs will stay safe in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Why Aren’t Eggs Refrigerated in Other Countries?
In some countries, eggs are not refrigerated because the food safety regulations are different than in the United States.
For example, in the United Kingdom, eggs are vaccinated against Salmonella, which means that they are less likely to be contaminated.
Additionally, some countries wash eggs with a special solution that helps to remove bacteria and the cuticle.
How To Store Eggs Safely
- Keep eggs in the refrigerator at a temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below.
- Store eggs in their original carton on an interior shelf of the refrigerator.
- Do not wash eggs before storing them.
- Use eggs within three to five weeks of purchase.
- Cook eggs thoroughly to ensure that any harmful bacteria are killed. This means that the yolk and white should be firm, not runny.
Who Shouldn’t Eat Raw Eggs?
If you are pregnant, elderly, or have a weakened immune system, you should avoid eating raw or undercooked eggs.
If you are unsure whether eggs are safe to eat, it is always best to err on the side of caution and throw them out.
Conclusion
We hope this article was informative. In addition to learning how long eggs sit out, you should know these tips.
Firstly, keep eggs in their original carton and store them on an interior shelf of the refrigerator. Secondly, do not wash eggs before storing them. Lastly, use eggs within three to five weeks of purchase.
References
- Egg Safety Center: https://www.eggsafety.org/
- U.S. Department of Agriculture: https://www.usda.gov/
- FoodSafety.gov: https://www.foodsafety.gov/
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