Americans – Why Do You Keep Refrigerating Your Eggs?

US public health agencies advise keeping your eggs in the fridge to reduce the growth of bacteria like salmonella Egg-washing practices that remove the egg’s protective cuticle actually make salmonella contamination more likely, as may temperature fluctuations between the fridge and room temperature Most of the European Union has banned egg-washing because it may make contamination more likely and also may allow egg producers to raise dirtier eggs If your eggs are fresh from the organic farm, with intact cuticles, and will be consumed within a few days, you can simply leave them on the counter or in a cool cupboard Most eggs from U.S. supermarkets must be refrigerated due to their lack of protective cuticle, likelihood of contaminant exposure and need for longer shelf life.