Egg Washing

[Newtothegrounds]

Hopefully this is the right section for this question.

I have a few leghorns that just started laying I've read lots how you don't need to wash the eggs or really shouldn't as it can force bacteria into the eggs. With that being said, if I do wash and refrigerate them and they get cooked fully, does that deal with the bacteria?
Thanks for the help

 

[CIuck]

Hopefully this is the right section for this question.

I have a few leghorns that just started laying I've read lots how you don't need to wash the eggs or really shouldn't as it can force bacteria into the eggs. With that being said, if I do wash and refrigerate them and they get cooked fully, does that deal with the bacteria?
Thanks for the help

The only way to get bacteria in the egg is to wash it in cold water. You should wash it in water hotter than the inside of the egg but not boiling. I had the exact same question so if you want to look at my thread I can send the link later. Only wash it for before you eat it because you washing it removes the protective covering... you wont have to refrigerate it. I am not sure about the bacteria part but I think it is only with cold water. Washing it should be fine.

 

[CIuck]

Hopefully this is the right section for this question.

I have a few leghorns that just started laying I've read lots how you don't need to wash the eggs or really shouldn't as it can force bacteria into the eggs. With that being said, if I do wash and refrigerate them and they get cooked fully, does that deal with the bacteria?
Thanks for the help

And also welcome! Here is the link for my egg washing thread... it has a lot of great answers to your question https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fresh-egg-soaked-in-cold-water.1412498/page-2#post-23192857

 

[IamRainey]

I keep my unwashed eggs in the fridge. If anyone cares to have their eggs washed, it's simple enough to wash them before opening them and cooking them. That way any potential bacteria doesn't have any time to breed.

I also have a short note that explains the cuticle, etc that I tuck in the box when I give eggs away.

 

[rodcopter]

It's not "potential bacteria"! It exists, it's in ALL feces, and refrigeration does not kill it, it only slows multiplication. If you touch dirty eggs, and then touch something else, you move the bacteria. Washing eggs that you will consume is important and should be done immediately after collecting regardless of whether or not you have hot water available. Any attempt at cleanliness is better than no attempt at cleanliness. Putting dirty eggs in the same location as other food is just plain stupidity. Further spreading that kind of negligent information to people who don't know any better should be refrained from.

 

[aart]

Any attempt at cleanliness is better than no attempt at cleanliness.

Naaahhh...if an egg needs to cleaned at all, do it thoroughly.


I don't wash eggs unless they are very dirty, then will refrigerate or use immediately because thorough washing will remove all the protective bloom(cuticle).

Eggs should be washed in 'water warmer than the egg'.

Simple physics, using colder water will cause the egg contents to contract, causing any 'germs' on exterior surface of egg shell to be pulled into the interior of egg thru the shell pores. Using warmer water will do the opposite.

I don't use any soap or other cleaning/sanitizing agent, just rotate in my hands to 'scrub' all surfaces area of egg shell. Then I air and towel dry before placing in the fridge.

If you are washing eggs for sale to the general public, other requirements may apply, so check your state regulations.

 

[rodcopter]

Naaahhh...if an egg needs to cleaned at all, do it thoroughly.


I don't wash eggs unless they are very dirty, then will refrigerate or use immediately because thorough washing will remove all the protective bloom(cuticle).

Eggs should be washed in 'water warmer than the egg'.

Simple physics, using colder water will cause the egg contents to contract, causing any 'germs' on exterior surface of egg shell to be pulled into the interior of egg thru the shell pores. Using warmer water will do the opposite.

I don't use any soap or other cleaning/sanitizing agent, just rotate in my hands to 'scrub' all surfaces area of egg shell. Then I air and towel dry before placing in the fridge.

If you are washing eggs for sale to the general public, other requirements may apply, so check your state regulations.

The fact that you are placing unwashed eggs in a refrigerator that contains other food kind of indicates that you may have been sleeping in other classes besides Physics. Wives tale Physics are just that, tales.

 

[Perris]

The fact that you are placing unwashed eggs in a refrigerator that contains other food kind of indicates that you may have been sleeping in other classes besides Physics. Wives tale Physics are just that, tales.

so would you like to explain why in the EU we MUST NOT wash or refrigerate eggs prior to sale?

 

[KingD]

So, how are shop bought eggs clean?

 

[Perris]

because they are laid in clean conditions. It is permitted to use sandpaper (by hand of course) to rub off the occasional bit of poop.
Generally hens here are kept in very different conditions to those prevailing in the US. We don't wash poultry in chlorine either, because they're not contaminated with feces either.