Can Eggs be Kept at Room Temperature?
Eggs are a common ingredient in many dishes with many ways to cook them, and they are a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. Can eggs be kept at room temperature?
Eggs are also a perishable food item, and they need to be stored and handled properly to minimize the risk of food poisoning. According to the World Health Organisation, eggs should not be kept at room temperature. They should be kept chilled in your fridge to ensure they:
- aren’t affected by bacteria
- stay fresher for longer
- are free from kitchen and pantry pests
Can eggs ever be kept at room temperature?
In general, it is not recommended to keep eggs at room temperature for more than a few hours.
If eggs are left out at room temperature for an extended period of time, they can potentially become breeding grounds for bacteria that can cause food poisoning. This is because the eggshells are porous and can allow bacteria to enter and grow inside the eggs.
When buying unrefrigerated eggs
Supermarkets like Coles and Woolworths store and sell chilled eggs, but ALDI, butchers, and farmers markets often sell ambient temperature eggs. Are these still safe?
Eggs sold at ambient temperatures are typically safe as they’re stored in temperature-controlled environments. But, once you get home, it’s best to store them in the fridge as your home and kitchen temperature will change.
Why shouldn’t eggs be kept at room temperature?
One of the main reasons why eggs should not be kept at room temperature is that they can spoil. At ambient or changing temperatures, the eggs are more likely to be affected by changing Australian ambient temperatures and humidity, which can cause them to go bad faster.
The eggs can also be exposed to bacteria and other contaminants that can grow on their surface or inside the eggs.
How should eggs be stored?
To minimise the risk of food poisoning, it is best to store eggs in your fridge, where the temperature is consistently cold. This can help to prevent the growth of bacteria and keep the eggs fresh for a longer period of time.
IIt is not recommended to keep eggs at room temperature for an extended period of time.
