Why Americans and Europeans don't keep their eggs cold?
Eggs are sold in the U.S. but not in Europe.Why aren't eggs refrigerated in Europe?
I am sure you have heard of it.According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are more than 1 million cases of food poisoning each year caused by the bacterium Salmonella.
Eggs are one of the most common foods it is found in.I want to stress that it is a small percentage of people that contractSalmonella from eggs.
I do not want you to think you are at risk.I know most people won't get food poisoning from an egg.
It is something egg farmers are aware of and the poultry industry goes to great lengths to minimize the risk.
Eggs are washed before being sold in the U.S.Eggs need to be refrigerated to limit the growth ofbacteria after this removes an egg's natural antibacterial coating.
Eggs are not washed in Europe so they still have their protective bloom.The eggs stay fresh at room temperature for a number of weeks because they can't be penetrated.
Over the years, Europe has had a number ofSalmonella outbreaks.Over the years, we have learned how to safely produce eggs, meat, and other foods on a scale with the smallest risk possible.
They are at a place where the cases ofSalmonella are the lowest they have been in a long time.In the UK, Lion Mark eggs were declared to be as safe for pregnant women and young children as they can be.
In the UK, the way to fight Salmonella is by vaccinating hens.They don't wash the eggs because they keep their antibacterial coating.
It has been proven that this coating will keepbacteria at bay for weeks at room temperature.A lot of people in Europe still keep their eggs in the fridge.It doesn't hurt to do that.
To understand why you have to keep eggs refrigerated in the U.S., you need to know that the risk of Salmonella is treated after the eggs are laid.Not by giving the hens vaccine before they lay the eggs.
This does not mean that hens are not treated to ensure their eggs are healthy.U.S. farmers don't typically use the same vaccinations to fight Salmonella.
Eggs go through a process before being sold.As I mentioned before, this removes the protective bloom.Eggs that have been washed need to be kept cool.
The FDA recommends keeping the eggs below 40F as it makes it difficult forbacteria to form.
I see a lot of people asking if they should store their eggs in the fridge or the room temperature.
If you have read all of the articles up to this point, you will know the answer.It depends on whether or not the eggs have been washed.
How do you know if they have been washed?You should get them in your fridge as soon as possible if they are being refrigerated.
If you are buying eggs from a farmer's market or receiving them from friends, ask if they have been washed.Put them in the fridge if you're sure.
There is no harm in keeping eggs at a cool temperature.According to Healthline, refrigerating eggs can double their shelf life.
Eggs can absorb odors and flavors from other strong foods in the fridge, which is the only downside.I have never heard of that being an issue.If you want to bake, you need to use room temperature eggs, so make sure to get them out in good time.
There are reasons why eggs aren't refrigerated in Europe.It is often a surprise to U.S. people.