Do eggs require refrigeration? Here's everything you need to understand.

If you've ever traveled outside the United States and Canada, you may have noticed that eggs aren't kept in the refrigerated section. Instead, you might find them in baskets at a local farmers' market, sitting on roadside egg stands for hours, or even alongside other shelf-stable produce on supermarket shelves. This isn't an error on the part of other countries, nor is America doing it wrong. Whether to refrigerate eggs or not depends on local regulations. However, once eggs are chilled, they must remain cold. Here's the reason why Americans refrigerate their eggs.

Do eggs need to be refrigerated?

“Eggs don’t always need to be kept refrigerated,” says Kelly Slentz, Senior Associate Marketing Manager at Organic Valley. “In places like the United States, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and parts of Scandinavia, eggs are refrigerated because of regulations that require them to be washed, processed, and kept cold to reduce the risk of salmonella.” Whether eggs are refrigerated or stored at room temperature depends on the regulations of each country, cost factors, and how long eggs are meant to last. Once refrigerated, eggs must remain cold because they can develop condensation when warming up (you’ve likely seen this on a cold eggshell while preparing them), and that moisture can lead to bacterial growth within a few hours.

Why Don’t Other Countries Refrigerate Eggs?

In many European and Asian countries, eggs aren’t washed or refrigerated, explains Slentz. This allows them to keep their natural protective coating, called the cuticle, which prevents bacteria from growing. Since this protective layer remains intact, eggs in these countries don’t require refrigeration.

Do Fresh Eggs Need to Be Refrigerated?

“Whether fresh eggs need refrigeration depends on where you live and how the eggs are processed,” says Slentz. In the U.S., eggs sold in stores are required to be washed and refrigerated, and they must stay cold after that. However, if you have backyard hens, freshly laid eggs can be stored at room temperature, but if washed, they should be refrigerated. Eggs that are chilled quickly last longer. If you’re gathering and cooking eggs within a day or two of laying, they are safe at room temperature, as long as they’re washed well before use.

Should You Wash Eggs?

If you’ve bought eggs from the store, there's no need to wash them. In fact, the USDA advises against washing store-bought eggs, as it can actually increase the risk of contamination by allowing water to enter through the eggshell’s pores. However, if you’re using freshly laid eggs from your own hens, make sure to wash them thoroughly before cooking.

How Long Do Eggs Stay Fresh in the Refrigerator?

Eggs will typically last between three to six weeks when stored in the refrigerator. If you're unsure about their freshness, check the egg carton for a best-by date, which is regulated by state authorities. To test an egg’s freshness before cooking, place it in a glass of water. If it sinks, it’s still good. If it floats, it’s time to toss it. Also, discard any eggs with an unusual smell or color.

What’s the Best Way to Store Eggs?

Store eggs in the refrigerator, preferably in their original carton to shield them from absorbing odors and flavors from other items. The refrigerator temperature should be set to under 40 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s best to store eggs on a shelf, rather than in the door, as keeping them on the door may cause fluctuations in temperature due to frequent opening and closing, potentially leading to faster spoilage.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How long can eggs be left unrefrigerated?

  As per the USDA, eggs that have been refrigerated should not be left out for more than two hours. Bacteria can grow rapidly at room temperature, and a cold egg left out can begin to sweat, which accelerates bacterial movement and growth.

• Why don't Europeans refrigerate eggs?

  In many European countries, eggs are not washed or refrigerated initially, allowing them to retain a protective layer known as the cuticle. This natural barrier prevents bacterial growth, so refrigeration is unnecessary.

• How can you tell if eggs have gone bad?

  The simplest method to determine if an egg is spoiled is the float test. Place the egg in a glass of water. If it sinks, it’s fresh. If it floats, it’s bad. If you’ve already cracked the egg, any off-color or unpleasant smell indicates spoilage.