There is a big possibility that you have eggs in your refrigerator. If that’s true, there’s a big chance that you live somewhere in North America, Scandinavia, Japan, or Australia.
Almost every other part of the world keeps its eggs on the counter. The key question is: do our eggs need to be refrigerated or not?
The History of Egg Refrigeration in The United States
In the early 1900s and before, people didn’t keep their eggs in the refrigerator. Those who sold eggs simply washed them and shipped them out. All of this changed when a bad batch of eggs from Australia hit the United Kingdom, leading to an outbreak of illness.
As a result of this episode, the UK and America began washing all eggs when they got shipped in. Although this meant that their eggs had a shiny, clean, and shampooed shell, it also meant that the eggs were left without a natural barrier of protection. This makes it easier for bacteria to break through the eggshell.
In order to fight this problem, Americans started refrigerating their eggs. This made it easier to slow down the growth of microorganisms by dropping the temperature. Several other countries followed suit, and this is why we still continue to refrigerate our eggs.
Is Egg Refrigeration Really Necessary ?
There is a mixed research on egg safety and refrigeration, which is why the status quo hasn’t changed in decades. According to reports from the Journal of Food Protection, in-vitro insertion of salmonella into eggs is more successful with non-refrigerated eggs than with refrigerated eggs.
Since Americans aren’t sticking needles full of salmonella into their eggs, is refrigeration really necessary? According to many experts, it is not necessary. There are many safeguards against salmonella in the American food system, including washing, inspections, and consistency from supplier to store.
In Europe, many chickens are vaccinated against salmonella. Since this is the main health concern with eggs, the need for refrigeration is minimized.
What Should You do ?
First of all, if you buy your eggs from a grocery store, then perhaps it would be best if you keep refrigerating them. Consistency is the key to keeping the egg supply clean and free of disease. If the eggs have been refrigerated at one point of the process and then left at room temperature, they will begin to sweat, and this will lead to mold and will allow bacteria to grow.
On the other hand, if you buy your eggs from a local supplier, you may be able to skip refrigeration. The eggs bought from local farms are often larger, richer in nutrients, and tastier. Since these eggs have usually not been refrigerated beforehand, you may be able to store them at room temperature.
And, of course, common sense will get you a long way. Throw away any eggs that have an off smell, avoid getting egg shells in your eggs, and make sure that you buy your eggs from a reputable source.
Did this information change your views on egg safety and refrigeration? Have you noticed a change in taste if you’ve tried both ways?
