The Egg Essentials: Tips for Buying and Storing Eggs Safely

Eggs are a staple in any fridge, but are you handling them correctly? Here are some important tips from purchase to consumption:

Where to Buy Your Eggs?

According to health guidelines, buy eggs only from supermarkets or air-conditioned stores where they are packaged in sealed disposable cartons.

Ensure the packaging shows the sorting station's name and address, egg type, sell-by date, and the eggs themselves are stamped with a code, last date for sale, and expiration date.

Eggs to Avoid?

Avoid consuming eggs that are not stamped, cracked, or broken. Do not purchase eggs sold in open markets or non-air-conditioned stores, eggs with dirty shells, or those past their sell-by date.

How Do You Know If Eggs Are Still Good?

Two dates are imprinted on the shell and the packaging.

The last date for sale is the final day the eggs can be sold (if it has passed, don’t buy them, even if refrigerated).

The expiration date (refrigerated) indicates when the eggs must be consumed. After that day, dispose of them.

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When Is an Egg Safe to Eat?

Only use fresh eggs or foods containing eggs after they have been fully cooked.

Soft-boiled or poached eggs have a higher bacterial content (including salmonella, whose development depends on correct care and storage), making them hazardous for pregnant women, young children, or those with weakened immune systems. Therefore, an egg is safe to eat only after thorough cooking, such as at least 10 minutes in boiling water or when both the white and yolk are firm. An omelet should also be fully cooked on each side.

Should You Wash a Dirty Egg Shell?

Avoid buying them initially, and never wash eggs because washing can cause bacteria to penetrate them.

If you plan to cook an egg in its shell for an extended period (like in cholent), wash it just before use to limit bacterial growth time.

It’s always best to wash your hands after handling eggs, in case of unseen bacteria on the shell.

Should You Cook Eggs With Cracked or Broken Shells?

Discard them promptly. If any egg contents have seeped into the container, discard adjacent eggs to prevent contamination.

(Photo: shutterstock)

Green Ring Around the Yolk

A green ring around the yolk indicates an overcooked egg, but it is not unsafe to eat.

Brown, Black, or Green Spots on the Egg

The egg is unsafe to eat and should be discarded immediately.

Where to Store Your Eggs?

Store eggs only in the refrigerator.

It's best to store them at the deepest part of the fridge, not in the door. The fridge door opens frequently, possibly causing eggs stored there to spoil—store them inside the fridge where the temperature is more stable.

How to Store Them?

Keep them in a closed container in the fridge to prevent bacteria from transferring to uncooked foods like meat and vegetables. You can also wrap the egg carton in a bag.

Where to Store Cooked Eggs?

Refrigerate cooked eggs within two hours of cooking; if not, discard them.

(Photo: shutterstock)

Can Cooked Eggs Be Frozen?

You can freeze them with their shells and peel just before eating. Be aware that freezing may alter the texture of the egg white to a gummy consistency.

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