Eggs are an ever-popular grocery item. They cook quickly, can be used in everything from breakfast to baked goods and they’re high in protein, with 6 grams perone large egg. We all know to lift the lid when choosing a carton at the store to check for broken eggs. But what if the egg is still intact with a small crack in the shell? Is it still safe to eat? Or, should you follow the rule, “when in doubt, throw it out?” Let’s find out.
What Happens to Your Body When You Eat Eggs Every Day
Is it safe to eat an egg with a crack in the shell?
From an anatomical standpoint, birds pass theireggs and feces from the same location. (Gross, but true!) That means the chances of food-borne pathogens likeSalmonellasticking to eggshells are high. If the shell has a crack in it, the door is wide open for bacteria to seep in. For that reason, theCDC recommendsavoiding eggs with cracked shells.
Okay, but what if the egg is cracked but not oozing?
A cracked egg without oozing does not mean it is safe to eat. Bacteria like Salmonella canpenetrate through the cracked shelleven if the contents of the egg are still inside.
What if an egg cracks on my way home from the store? Is it fresh enough to still cook and eat?
What are the risks of eating a damaged egg?
According to theCDC, you may experience unpleasant symptoms, such as nausea, diarrhea, stomach cramps and fever, ranging from 4 to 7 days, when contaminated foods (including eggs) are consumed. However, children younger than five years old, adults older than 65 and people with a weakened immune system may be at agreater risk of hospitalizationand death due to food poisoning.
Getty Images
How to avoid cracked eggshells
How to tell if eggs are bad
How exactly can you tell when an egg hasgone bad? A good egg is intact, has a strong eggshell, a firm yolk and a runny and slightly thick egg white. And perhaps most obviously, it should be odorless. Since eggshells are porous, air can penetrate through the shell. The older the egg, the more air has penetrated the shell, making older eggs more likely to float in water. That being said, an older egg may still be safe to eat as long as it has a runny and clear white, a firm yolk and a neutral odor. Eggs that are spoiled have a strong sulfur smell and should be avoided.
How to store eggs
Uncracked eggs can be stored up to 3 to 5 weeks from the date of purchase, as per the consumers’Foodkeeper App, as long as they arekept in the fridge at 40°F or below. Keeping them in theiroriginal cartoonhelps prevent damage. Keep eggs away from foods with a strong odor as smells can seep through the shell. The placement of eggs in the fridge also matters. Keeping eggs on the inner shelves instead of the door can minimize the eggs from moving around and cracking.
Bottom line
Eating cracked eggs may pose more risks than benefits. To ensure your eggs are intact and damage-free, check their physical appearance before leaving the grocery store. Handling the egg carton with care during transportation and storing them properly at home will minimize the chances of eggs getting cracked and going bad.
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!Tell us why!OtherSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Tell us why!OtherSubmit
Tell us why!
