There are three places in the refrigerator where eggs should not be stored

Eggs can be contaminated with Salmonella bacteria in two ways. Bacteria can enter from the outside through the eggshell or infect from the inside if the hen is carrying Salmonella and the bacteria are transferred to the egg before the shell forms. Proper handling, storage and processing play an important role in preventing food poisoning from eggs contaminated with Salmonella.

For example, storing eggs at temperatures below 4 degrees Celsius can prevent the growth of Salmonella, while cooking eggs at at least 71 degrees Celsius is likely to kill any remaining bacteria. Meanwhile, improper storage can affect the freshness and quality of eggs.

Below are three places in the refrigerator that are not recommended for storing eggs.

Refrigerator door

This is a popular location for many families to place eggs, but it is also where the temperature changes the most. Every time the refrigerator is opened, warm air from outside flows in, causing the temperature at the door to fluctuate continuously.

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends storing eggs on shelves inside the refrigerator instead of on the door. Stable temperatures help maintain quality and limit the risk of bacterial growth. Although many refrigerator models have a built-in egg tray in the door, this location is not the optimal choice for long-term storage.

Separate egg tray in the refrigerator

Many people have the habit of transferring eggs to trays or plastic containers to save space in the refrigerator. However, food safety experts recommend keeping eggs in the original carton. The original packaging helps protect eggs from impact, limits the absorption of odors from other foods and contributes to maintaining freshness during storage.

The edge of the food has a strong odor

The eggshell has thousands of tiny holes that allow gas exchange. Therefore, if placed near foods with strong odors such as onions, garlic, durian or fermented foods, eggs can absorb the odor over time.

Strange odors not only affect the taste but also reduce the smell of the dish after processing. To limit this situation, eggs should be placed in a separate area, avoiding direct contact with foods with strong odors.

How to properly preserve eggs

Theo USDAeggs should be stored in the original box, placed in the middle or lower compartment of the refrigerator, with a temperature of about 4 degrees Celsius or lower. Eggs should not be left at room temperature for long periods of time after they have been refrigerated.

Theo Heathlineeggs can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 weeks while still ensuring quality. If frozen properly, storage time can be even longer. However, the longer eggs are kept, the lower their quality becomes. Whites and yolks tend to be thinner and less firm in texture compared to fresh eggs.

If you do not remember the exact storage time, users should break eggs into a clean bowl or plate before processing. Eggs with a strange smell, unusual color or unusual texture should be discarded to avoid health risks.