Why shouldn't you keep eggs in the fridge?
Asked by: Jacey Connelly | Last update: May 27, 2026Score: 4.5/5 (31 votes)
You shouldn't keep eggs in the fridge in some countries (like the UK/Europe) because they aren't washed and keep their natural protective "bloom," but in the U.S., you must refrigerate washed eggs to prevent bacteria (like Salmonella) from entering the porous shell, especially after temperature changes cause condensation, which helps bacteria grow. So, the rule is: if they've been washed (U.S. style), keep them cold; if unwashed (Europe style), they're fine at room temp, but refrigerate them once you start chilling them.
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 eggs in the fridge?
Eggs aren't refrigerated in Europe because hens are vaccinated against Salmonella, and the eggs aren't washed, leaving their natural protective cuticle intact, which prevents bacteria from entering, allowing for room-temperature storage. In contrast, U.S. eggs are washed (removing the cuticle) and must be refrigerated to prevent bacterial growth, making the systems incompatible, according to a blog by Miller's Bio Farm.
How long can eggs be left unrefrigerated?
Refrigerated eggs in the U.S. should not be left out for more than two hours, or one hour if the temperature is 90°F (32°C) or above, as bacteria multiply rapidly in the temperature danger zone (40-140°F), and the shell's protective coating is removed during washing. Unwashed, farm-fresh eggs, however, can often sit on the counter for several weeks due to their natural protective bloom.
Why don't British people put their eggs in the fridge?
That's why American eggs have to be chilled from farm to fridge. Across the pond, washing eggs is illegal. British and European farms vaccinate hens against Salmonella and leave that natural coating intact, which means eggs can safely sit at room temperature.
Should You Store Eggs in the Fridge?
Why do Mexicans not refrigerate eggs?
Eggs aren't refrigerated in Mexico because they aren't washed, preserving a natural protective layer (cuticle) that keeps bacteria out, making them shelf-stable at room temperature, unlike in the U.S. where washing removes this cuticle, necessitating refrigeration to prevent Salmonella growth. Other factors include shorter supply chains and vaccination programs for hens, but the key is the intact protective coating, which allows them to sit out in stores and homes.
Why do supermarkets not refrigerate eggs?
Eggs are not in fridges in supermarkets but ARE in coolzones near the fridges. This is to keep a low and constant temperature. If you use eggs quickly at home, shelf storage is ok however, if you don't, then put them in the fridge.
Why do farm-fresh eggs not have to be refrigerated?
You don't have to refrigerate farm-fresh eggs because they retain their natural protective coating, called the bloom (or cuticle), which seals the shell pores, keeping bacteria out and moisture in, making them safe at room temperature for weeks. Grocery store eggs, however, are washed, removing this bloom, so they must be refrigerated to prevent bacterial growth through the now-exposed pores.
How long is it safe to have eggs at room temperature?
It's safe to leave refrigerated eggs at room temperature for no more than 2 hours, or 1 hour if it's 90°F (32°C) or hotter, due to rapid bacterial growth like Salmonella, especially after the protective cuticle is washed off in the U.S. Fresh, unwashed farm eggs with their natural bloom intact can stay out longer (weeks), but once any egg is refrigerated, it must stay refrigerated to prevent condensation from promoting bacterial entry.
Do Americans bleach eggs?
Correction: American eggs are washed with detergent whereas other countries just use plain water . Detergents will wash away the wax covering the outside of the egg, making it porous, which allows bacteria to enter it.
What's the best way to store eggs?
Refrigerator Storage: Refrigerate eggs at 40°F or less. Store them in their original carton on an inside shelf and away from pungent foods. The temperature on an inside shelf remains more constant than one on the door, which is opened and closed frequently.
Why do the US wash their eggs?
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.
Can I eat eggs that have been in my fridge for 2 months?
Eating eggs that have been in your fridge for two months is risky; while they might be safe if stored perfectly and pass tests, official guidance suggests raw eggs are best used within 3-5 weeks, so they've likely passed their prime quality and could harbor bacteria like Salmonella, making a float test and thorough cooking essential, though discarding them is the safest bet for 2-month-old eggs.
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.
Is the float test for eggs accurate?
No, the egg float test is not completely accurate for determining if an egg is spoiled, though it does reflect its age; it's better at indicating how much air has entered the egg, not necessarily microbial safety, as some fresh eggs can float and some very old ones might still sink, making the "sniff test" (cracking into a bowl) the most reliable indicator of spoilage. While a sinking egg is usually fresh and a floating egg is old, a floating egg isn't automatically bad, and a sinking one could still be spoiled, making the float test unreliable for safety.
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.
Do you put eggs in boiling water or cold water first?
You can boil eggs in either cold or hot water, but starting with cold water is often recommended for even cooking and to prevent cracking, allowing eggs to heat gradually with the water before bringing to a boil and letting them sit off the heat. Starting with hot water (a "hot start") is preferred by some chefs for precise timing and easier peeling, though it risks cracking if not done carefully. Both methods involve finishing the cooking by letting the eggs sit in the hot water (or ice bath) after it boils, and then immediately cooling them in ice water.
Why do European countries not refrigerate eggs?
Eggs aren't refrigerated in Europe because hens are vaccinated against Salmonella, and the eggs aren't washed, leaving their natural protective cuticle intact, which prevents bacteria from entering, allowing for room-temperature storage. In contrast, U.S. eggs are washed (removing the cuticle) and must be refrigerated to prevent bacterial growth, making the systems incompatible, according to a blog by Miller's Bio Farm.
Should you wash fresh eggs before cooking?
WHY SHOULD EGGS BE CLEANED? Eggs that are not properly cleaned and sanitized before being used can cause human illness. This is particularly true when egg shells have visible debris on them such as feces.
Why don't Mexicans refrigerate eggs?
Eggs aren't refrigerated in Mexico because they aren't washed, preserving a natural protective layer (cuticle) that keeps bacteria out, making them shelf-stable at room temperature, unlike in the U.S. where washing removes this cuticle, necessitating refrigeration to prevent Salmonella growth. Other factors include shorter supply chains and vaccination programs for hens, but the key is the intact protective coating, which allows them to sit out in stores and homes.
What happens if you eat eggs that aren't refrigerated?
Sanitized eggs can only be out of the fridge for two hours maximum. “If pathogens exist on the food,” he warns, “they can start to proliferate.” At room temperature, bacteria may penetrate washed eggs shells that no longer have their protective coating.
Is the United States the only country that refrigerates eggs?
Have you ever seen eggs being sold on a grocery store shelf, instead of in a refrigerated unit? 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.