Most of us have a habit of putting eggs on the refrigerator door. It seems like the most convenient place to keep them. After all, it is right there in front of us whenever we need to make something with eggs.
But did you know that storing eggs on the refrigerator door can actually be dangerous? In this article, we will discuss why it is not safe to store eggs on the refrigerator door, and what you should do instead.
The Temperature Fluctuations in the Refrigerator Door
The temperature on the refrigerator door fluctuates more than other parts of the refrigerator. Every time you open the door, warm air enters the refrigerator, causing the temperature to rise.
The temperature then drops as the refrigerator tries to regulate the temperature. This fluctuation in temperature is not good for eggs.
Eggs should be stored at a constant temperature of 40°F or below. When eggs are exposed to temperature fluctuations, the moisture inside the egg can expand and contract, causing the egg to spoil faster.
This can also cause eggs to go bad faster than usual.
The Risk of Salmonella
Storing eggs on the refrigerator door increases the risk of salmonella. Salmonella is a bacteria that can cause food poisoning. It is commonly found in raw eggs.
If eggs are not stored at the correct temperature, the salmonella bacteria can grow and multiply.
When you store eggs on the refrigerator door, they are exposed to temperature fluctuations, making it easier for the salmonella bacteria to grow and multiply. This increases the risk of food poisoning if the eggs are consumed.
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Why eggs should not be stored on the refrigerator door
The Proper Way to Store Eggs
The proper way to store eggs is in their carton on a shelf in the refrigerator. This will keep the eggs at a constant temperature and protect them from exposure to bacteria and temperature fluctuations.
The carton offers another benefit as well. It gives you the date the eggs were packaged. Egg cartons come with a Best Before date of up to 30 days after packaging. If you use eggs past this date, you run the risk of consuming eggs that have gone bad.
The Importance of Egg Safety
Egg safety is incredibly important. Salmonella can cause serious illness, especially in young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. The symptoms of salmonella include vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps.
In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary.
If you are concerned about the safety of your eggs, you can buy pasteurized eggs. These eggs have been heated to kill any bacteria that may be present.
Pasteurized eggs are a great option for those who are at a higher risk of illness from consuming raw eggs.
Other Tips for Egg Safety
In addition to proper refrigeration, there are other tips you should follow to ensure egg safety.
- Wash your hands before handling eggs.
- Use eggs that are within their Best Before date.
- Do not consume eggs that are cracked or that have been left out of the refrigerator for more than two hours.
- Cook eggs thoroughly to kill any bacteria that may be present.
Conclusion
Storing eggs on the refrigerator door might seem like a convenient option, but it is not safe. The temperature fluctuations on the door can cause eggs to spoil faster, and increase the risk of salmonella.
It is important to store eggs in their carton on a shelf in the refrigerator to keep them at a constant temperature and protect them from exposure to bacteria. Safety is incredibly important when it comes to eggs, so make sure you follow these tips to ensure egg safety.
