Are you curious about what happens to eggs left in a car overnight? Are they still safe to eat after being left in a hot or cold car? The truth is the eggs’ safety depends on the vehicle’s temperature.
In this article, we’ll explore the factors that affect the spoilage of eggs and provide tips on determining if they’re still fresh. We’ll also offer advice on how to store your eggs properly to ensure they stay safe for consumption.
Whether you’re a frequent shopper or someone who accidentally left their eggs in the car, this article will provide the answers you need.
In This Article
Easy Way To Check If Eggs Are Safe To Eat After You Left Eggs In The Car Overnight
If you’ve left eggs in the car overnight, knowing if they’re still okay to eat can be hard, as it is not as straightforward as leaving eggs out overnight on the countertop because of consistent room temperature.
Here are some ways to quickly check:
- Smell Test: Crack the egg open and give it a sniff. If it has a sour or sulfuric smell, it’s gone bad and you should throw it away.
- Visual Test: Look for any cracks on the eggshell or abnormalities in the appearance of the egg. If it looks strange, it’s a sign of contamination.
- Float Test: Place the egg in a bowl of water. If it sinks horizontally, it’s fresh. If it stands vertically, it’s still okay but not as fresh. If it floats, it’s gone bad.
- Shake Test: Give the egg a shake near your ear. If it makes a watery sound, it’s gone bad.
If the eggs pass these tests, eating them is safe, but use them immediately to avoid bacteria buildup.
It’s worth remembering that just because an egg floats, it may still be edible, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Leaving Eggs in a Hot Car
Leaving eggs in a hot car (85°F or higher) for 30 minutes causes bacteria to grow on them. Heat can also contaminate farm eggs during transportation and storage, but they may last longer than store-bought eggs.
Always check if your eggs are safe to eat using the abovementioned methods.
Leaving Eggs in a Cold Car
Eggs left in a cold car are safe to eat because a temperature below 40°F (4°C) doesn’t support bacterial growth.
However, if the temperature fluctuates to higher levels for more than two hours, it can cause contamination.
The eggs will last up to five weeks if the car’s temperature is stable.
How Long Can Fresh Farm Eggs Last Outside?
Fresh farm eggs can last for 2-3 weeks at room temperature if not commercially cleaned.
Commercially cleaned eggs lose their protective cuticle and can get contaminated more easily. Be careful of shell contamination when handling farm-fresh eggs.
How To Store Eggs In The Fridge
After checking if your eggs are safe to eat, store them in a container or tray. If they’re from the farm, don’t wash them, so they keep their protective layer.
Put the eggs on the end of the shelf, not in the fridge door, to avoid temperature changes.
Commercial eggs can last up to 4-5 weeks in the fridge.
Storing Eggs Without Refrigeration
If your eggs are fresh from the farm and haven’t been washed, you can store them without refrigeration.
Don’t wash them until ready to use them, and cover them to avoid contamination. Use a tray to store them on a cupboard or counter.
Clean your hands after handling unwashed eggs to avoid contamination.
FAQs
How Do Eggs Get Salmonella?
Eggs can get salmonella from contaminated chicken feces, contaminating the eggshell. Proper cooking of eggs can kill salmonella, but it’s still important to handle eggs safely and avoid cross-contamination with other foods.
How Do I Store Cooked Eggs?
Cooked eggs should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best to consume them within four days of cooking, to minimize the risk of foodborne illness.
What’s The Best Time to Consume Refrigerated Eggs?
Refrigerated eggs are best consumed within three to five weeks of their packing date. You can check the packing date on the egg carton to determine how long the eggs have been stored. It’s important to always check the eggs for signs of spoilage before consuming them.
Can Eggs Still Be Safe To Eat Even If They Don’t Pass The Egg Tests?
Yes, while the tests mentioned in the article can help determine whether or not an egg is safe to eat, they’re not foolproof. If unsure, it’s best to err cautiously and throw the egg away.
