Simply refrigerating eggs doesn't guarantee their safety. In fact, the location, storage temperature, and storage methods all directly affect the freshness and safety of the eggs, according to the health website Healthline (USA).
Eggs should be stored at temperatures below 4 degrees Celsius.
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People need to avoid the following mistakes when storing eggs.
Place the eggs on the refrigerator door.
Many people have a habit of placing eggs on the door tray for convenience when they want to use them. However, this is the location with the most temperature fluctuations in the refrigerator.
Each time the door is opened, heat from the outside rushes in, warming this area faster than the inner compartments. When the temperature fluctuates constantly, eggs lose their freshness more easily, and bacteria have more favorable conditions to grow. Therefore, it's best to place eggs in the inner compartments of the refrigerator to maintain a more stable temperature.
Additionally, frequently opening and closing the door can cause eggs to collide and develop small cracks that are difficult to see with the naked eye. These cracks can create pathways for bacteria to enter the egg.
Transfer the eggs to another box.
When you buy eggs at the supermarket or grocery store, they're usually placed in a cardboard carton. Sometimes, transferring the eggs to a plastic container or separate tray will make the refrigerator look tidier. However, the original cardboard carton actually plays a rather important role in protecting the eggs.
Paper packaging helps to minimize moisture loss and reduce the amount of eggs absorbing odors from other foods in the refrigerator. Eggshells have a porous structure with many tiny holes, so they can absorb odors from onions, garlic, durian, or other strong-smelling foods. This can affect the taste of the eggs when cooked.
Additionally, the original box contains information about the packaging date and expiration date. If the box is discarded, many people find it difficult to remember the storage time.
The refrigerator is not cold enough.
Many people think that as long as the refrigerator is cold, that's enough. However, storage temperature is the crucial factor determining food safety. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that eggs should be stored at temperatures of 4°C or below to limit the growth of bacteria such as Salmonella.
If the temperature is above 4°C, bacteria can grow faster even if the eggs still look normal. Some signs that your refrigerator might not be cold enough include food spoiling faster than usual, overcrowding which hinders cold air circulation, or the door being opened too often. To determine the correct refrigerator temperature, instead of just feeling it with your hand, use a thermometer, according to Healthline .