Brits are being warned to store their eggs correctly during summer months to avoid foodborne illnesses.
According to the Food Standards Agency, eggs should be stored “in a cool, dry place, ideally in the fridge and kept apart from other foods”.
However, a new study by white goods retailer Currys revealed that 43% of UK residents are storing their eggs incorrectly.
More than a quarter keep them on the countertop, and 16% in a cupboard, despite official guidance advising otherwise.
With temperatures rising in summer months, improper storage can increase the risk of foodborne illnesses, as bacteria forms more quickly in warm conditions. This is also reiterated by the British Egg Information Service too.
However, UK Reddit users have different opinions on whether it is right or not to keep eggs in the fridge in spite of FSA guidelines. In an /AskUK subreddit thread on the topic users said:
“Where do you pick up eggs in the shop? They’re not refrigerated there so you don’t need to refrigerate them at home.”
“Read what it says on your egg carton on how to store the eggs. I have just found this out today and it says to put it in the fridge.”
“Even in the really hot heatwave type weather... I don't remember ever popping eggs in the fridge.”
It seems Brits don’t know for sure either way, a quandary which is backed by a significant rise in public uncertainty, with UK Google searches for 'should I keep eggs in the fridge' reaching more than 31,000 in the past year..
What is the correct way to store eggs?
Currys explains the benefits of storing eggs properly
Whether you are for or against following the guidelines, there are benefits to storing eggs in the fridge, such as:
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Reduced odour absorption
Eggs are porous, so can absorb odours from other foods. If you treat the middle shelf of your fridge as a neutral zone, you reduce the risk of undesirable flavours going into your eggs.
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Optimal humidity
Eggs benefit from a controlled humidity environment, and the middle shelf is usually better at maintaining the ideal moisture level than other areas in the fridge.
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Consistent temperature
Eggs should be kept on the middle shelf of the fridge as this tends to stay at a more consistent temperature than other areas (especially the fridge door or near the freezer).
Remember, temperature fluctuations can have a serious impact on the quality and freshness of your eggs.
Although they are “on the shelf” in supermarkets, the shops tend to have a cooler, more ambient temperature thanks to air conditioning which many British homes do not have.
How long can you keep boiled eggs in the fridge?
With “picky bits” being more popular during summer, and with searches for 'how long can you keep hard boiled eggs in the fridge' reaching 41,000 in the past year, it is important that people are not only storing their raw eggs correctly, but their cooked ones too.
According to the survey by Currys, 51% of Brits keep cooked food in the fridge longer than three days, and while the Food Standards Agency offers no specific guidance, Food Standards Scotland recommends:
“A hard-boiled egg can be kept for up to two days in the fridge (with or without the shell).”
Recommended reading:
By contrast, the U.S. Department of Agriculture advises:
In shell: Up to one week refrigerated
Peeled: Ideally consumed within a few days
So be sure to check eggs before consumption to avoid using any that may be out of date or have gone rotten from sitting in sunlight and warm temperatures.
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