Buying a box of eggs and finding one or two with cracked shells or fractures can be quite disheartening for anyone. The worry that these eggs might be contaminated with bacteria and therefore unsafe to consume can add to the frustration.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), eggs are one of the most nutritious foods on earth and can be a vital part of a healthy diet. However, just like raw meat, poultry, and fish, eggs are prone to spoilage. To ensure safety, eggs must be handled properly, promptly refrigerated, and thoroughly cooked.
So, what should you do if you bring home eggs with cracks? With egg prices being high, throwing them away seems like a wasted opportunity. Egg experts have shared some insights on dealing with cracked eggs.
Lisa Steele, the blogger behind “Fresh Eggs Daily” and an expert in backyard chicken farming from Maine, told Fox News’ digital channel, “It basically depends on when the egg was cracked.”
Steele mentioned that she personally wouldn’t consume eggs with cracks found in a supermarket carton because consumers don’t know how long the damage has been present. Therefore, it is crucial to check for cracks before purchasing, as eggshells and membranes serve as protection against harmful bacteria like Salmonella.
Recipe website author Lena Abraham from Simply Recipes also mentioned that when deciding whether to consume cracked eggs, the first consideration should be when the crack occurred. She advised that if accidentally buying a few cracked eggs at the store, it’s best to discard them or use them for compost.
Large cracks in eggs pose higher risks. Research from Tufts University indicated that eggs with larger cracks are more likely to harbor Salmonella compared to those with smaller cracks.
Steele also informed Fox News that eggs are more prone to cracking in winter due to lower temperatures. Personally, she mentioned that she would consume eggs she accidentally cracks herself, provided the membrane is intact. “The membrane can protect the egg from bacterial invasion,” she stated.
For eggs accidentally cracked at home, Steele suggested cracking them into a small bowl, covering with plastic wrap or a lid, and using them within two days, ensuring to cook them at a minimum temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
She emphasized that if the membrane of the eggshell is broken, it is no longer safe for consumption but can still be used for composting, as the calcium in eggshells benefits the soil.
The USDA also stressed that bacteria can enter eggs through cracks in the shell and advised against buying cracked eggs. However, the USDA mentioned that accidentally cracked eggs during cooking are “safe.”
The USDA recommended cracking open freshly cracked eggs, placing them in a clean container with a sealable lid, and storing them in the refrigerator for up to two days.
If you end up with more cracked eggs than you can eat within a few days, Abraham suggested referring to various recipes like breakfast burritos and egg snacks. These can be stored in the fridge and reheated when you need a quick meal.