Eggs are one of those foods most of us always have in the fridge. They don’t take up much room, are relatively inexpensive, and you can always make an omelette or Shakshuka if you are struggling for meal ideas.
But when you’ve got kids in the house, especially babies or toddlers, you’ll naturally be worried about the potential risks eggs might bring.
How long do they really last? Do they need to go straight into the fridge? Are backyard eggs safe for kids?
These concerns can leave you feeling confused and second-guessing yourself. That’s why we’ve decided to put together this post.
In it, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about the safest way to collect eggs and store them. Hopefully, it will provide you with the guidance you need.
Why Risks Do Eggs Bring?
Every day, millions of Australians have eggs for breakfast. In fact, they are so normal a part of everyday life that we tend to forget they come with some risks.
For instance, eggs can carry bacteria if they’re not stored or handled properly. And that’s where problems can start.
Young kids, pregnant mums, and older family members are more likely to get sick from foodborne illness. That’s why food safety for families is so important. Especially with foods we sometimes take for granted.
Subsequently, putting a bit of thought into how you store and handle eggs will help to protect everyone at the table.
Where Eggs Come From: Store-Bought vs Backyard Eggs
Some families regularly grab a carton of eggs during the weekly shop. Others enjoy collecting eggs from their own backyard chickens. Both options can be perfectly safe when handled the right way.
Supermarket eggs in Australia are washed, checked, and kept refrigerated before you buy them. However, backyard eggs require a bit more care when it comes to collecting and storing them. This requires keeping nesting boxes clean and collecting eggs daily, because the longer eggs sit around, the greater the chance that dirt or bacteria will build up.
No matter where your eggs come from, what really matters is what happens once they get into your kitchen. That said, if you are interested in keeping backyard chickens, you can view Somerzby’s range here.
Should Eggs Be Washed Before Storage?
This is one of the most common questions mums ask. As mentioned, in Australia, store-bought eggs are already washed before they reach the shelves. So, you don’t need to do this again. However, backyard eggs are a bit different.
If backyard eggs are clean, they can be stored unwashed. Washing removes the egg’s natural protective coating, so if an egg does have dirt on it, it’s better to wash it just before using it rather than before storing it.
When handling backyard eggs, make sure you wash your hands before and after collecting them. Additionally, place them straight into a clean container. If you find an egg that is cracked or heavily soiled, it’s best to skip it rather than try to clean it up.
How to Store Eggs Safely in the Fridge
Storing eggs in the fridge is the safest option because eggs stay fresher when kept cold. This is especially pertinent during the warmer months of summer.
Where possible, you should keep supermarket eggs in their original carton. Avoid placing them on a fridge shelf rather than the door, because temperatures can change more often. The carton is designed to protect them from absorbing smells and prevent them from cracking.
You can buy cartons for backyard eggs from various online suppliers.
How Long Do Eggs Last?
All the eggs sold in supermarkets in Australia must have a best-before date. This indicates their peak freshness and quality when stored properly in the fridge.
Backyard eggs, especially unwashed ones with their protective “bloom,” can last 3-4 weeks at room temperature. If you keep them in the fridge, this timeframe can extend to months.
Washed eggs must always be refrigerated and can last about 2 months. It is a good idea to write the collection date on the carton to help you keep track.
How to Tell if Eggs Are Still Fresh
If you’re ever unsure, there are a couple of simple ways to check if your eggs are still fresh. One of the most popular ones is the water test, which involves placing the eggs in a bowl of water. If they sink, then they are still fresh. If they float, then they are not.
However, while this is a handy guide, it is not foolproof. Therefore, before cooking, crack the eggs into a separate bowl to check their freshness. Fresh eggs should always look clear and smell neutral. If you notice a strong smell, that is a sign you should throw them away.
Egg Safety Tips for Babies, Toddlers, and Pregnant Mums
Eggs are a great source of nutrition for babies, toddlers, and pregnant mums. But they should always be fully cooked. As nice as soft or runny eggs can be, they are best avoided for these family members.
By cooking eggs thoroughly and practising safe food handling for kids (such as washing hands and cleaning utensils properly), you’ll go a long way towards reducing the risk of them succumbing to illness.
Common Egg Storage Mistakes To Avoid
Unfortunately, people often make common mistakes when storing eggs, which can expose them to health risks. They include:
- Leaving eggs out on the bench for long periods
- Storing them loose in the fridge door
- Washing them
- Storing them wet
All of these are common mistakes that should be avoided. Additionally, reusing dirty cartons or putting eggs back in the fridge after they’ve been left out can also affect their freshness.