Yolk on outside of eggs - Safe to eat?

[zgreenside]

I've been a frequent reader on this website for its helpful tips and tricks, but have never felt the need to ask a question because it's usually answered on here. This time I can't seem to find an answer so I wanted to reach out!

My wife is very wary of eating eggs with yolk on the outside of them. I think she read somewhere that the eggs are porous and the yolk might seep through the shell and make it so they are no longer safe to eat, but I've never seen anything like that and can't find an answer.

Not 100% sure where the broken egg is coming from, I believe it's a chicken laying on top of an egg and having that egg crack, as it happens fairly frequently, but I digress, that's the source and not of much importance. Mainly curious if once they have yolk on the outside of them (sometimes dried, sometimes still runny, depending on how soon I get out there after it happens) if they are still safe to eat if we wash them right away and store them in the fridge.

Thank you!

ZG

 

[GitaBooks]

Welcome to BYC!

Yes, bacteria can seep through the pores of shells. I'll let you in on a secret though, my family and I eat eggs covered in chicken droppings and don't get sick.

Now, I know, I know, this is not a good idea, but its just how we do it. Not that I'm suggesting it.

However, for good safety you should ideally wash your eggs in I think it was cool water, though I'm not sure, and get them in the fridge fast. Eggs that are too dirty, old or smelly should just be thrown-out.

As for broken eggs, we got them (and get them) all the time from clumsy layers, an opossum (I think) that raids our nests, and egg-eating chickens that break eggs to eat them. Also, thin-shlled eggs can cause this problem.

I hope this helps. Best of luck!

 

[zgreenside]

Thank you very much for the answer, that helps