Duck Egg Storage: Counter or Fridge

[DucksOhio]

No not advocating fear. Personal choice.

 

[owl.eh]

I have lived in Scotland, Canada and now the US. Between North America and Scotland there was a big difference in how they stored eggs. North America in the fridge, Scotland on the counter. But there was a good reason why.

In North America - all commercial eggs get washed during processing. This removes the natural protective film that keeps bacteria like salmonella out. Thus keeping them on the counter at room temperature would allow bacteria to get through the shell through the pores and then ultimately incubate until cooking which doesn't kill the bacteria.

In Scotland - no commercial eggs are washed. The natural protective film stays on the egg. Putting them in the fridge can cause degradation of this film allowing bacteria in. Keeping them at room temperature on the counter leaves the film alone and they stay safe.

Glad some of that knowledge is finally put to use.