Eggs are the foundation of hearty breakfasts, decadent pastries, and creamy aiolis. But while eggs add protein and fat to whatever you’re cooking, they don’t come without food-safety risks. Depending on where in the world you live, you can find eggs stored either in the refrigerator or sitting at room temperature on the kitchen counter. But what’s the best way to make sure your eggs are safe to eat?
Luckily, we did some research for you. And to make a long story short: If you live in U.S., refrigerate your eggs.
Why You Should Refrigerate Your Eggs
Just like with raw chicken, eggs can potentially carry the bacterium Salmonella enteritidis, which can cause serious stomach issues. The United States Department of Agriculture requires all eggs that abide by their grading system to be sanitized before you buy them. So, unless you’ve bought fresh eggs from your a farm stand, most eggs you eat have been rinsed in a bacteria-killing solution.
While this solution removes Salmonella from the exterior shells, eggs could still be contaminated on the inside (because the shells have microscopic pores that don’t always block bacteria). That means, in rare cases, you can find Salmonella in a properly stored, uncracked egg.
While the possibility of contracting an illness from Salmonella does exist, there are several government agencies that work to prevent food-borne illness from getting from the farm to your supermarket to your home. One of the techniques they all agree on is refrigeration. By keeping eggs cold, potentially harmful bacteria can’t grow. And once you cook them thoroughly (until the yolk and white are both solid), any lingering bacteria will be killed.
But Don't People Leave Eggs Out in Europe?
Other countries, such as ones in Europe, take a different stance on egg safety. Their eggs don’t receive the same sanitizing wash that American eggs do, which leaves behind the protective natural coating. Some government agencies believe this natural barrier is enough to protect eggs from Salmonella, which is why many European households keep their eggs at room temperature.
But if you’re in the United States, it’s best to follow USDA guidelines and keep your eggs cold.
How Long Can Eggs Last in the Fridge?
Once your eggs are placed in the fridge, they’ll be safe to eat for three to five weeks.
Expertise: TikTok Trends, Drinks, Pop Culture
Education: B.A. in Journalism and B.S. in Communications from NYU, Culinary Arts degree from The Institute of Culinary Education
About Me: As an associate editor at Delish, Gabby works on everything from features to recipes to content on our social media channels. Before joining the team, she wrote for StarChefs Rising Stars Magazine, Mashed, and Food52. When she’s not developing cocktail recipes, she’s making cocktail-inspired dishes like Dirty Martini Pasta and Aperol Spritz Trifle. Her features cover online trends like the Millennial Shopping Cart, rank everything from hard seltzers to frozen French fries, and answer some of your most pressing food safety questions. You can also find her posting content on Delish’s TikTok, including her three-part series about cooking like influencer Nara Smith that garnered over 3M combined views. She loves eating spicy food, collecting cookbooks, and adding a mountain of Parmesan to any dish she can.
