If you accidentally leave eggs sitting out, you may be wondering if they are still safe to eat. In the U.S., eggs can sit out at room temperature for two hours before spoiling. However, if the temperature in the room is 90° F or higher, they will only last one hour outside the refrigerator.
When eggs are left unrefrigerated for too long, they will begin to sweat, which can allow for the growth and movement of bacteria. Therefore, the inside of the eggs can become contaminated, and eggs are especially susceptible to a particular type of bacteria known as Salmonella. Symptoms of Salmonella poisoning can develop anywhere from 12 to 72 hours after ingesting and can cause diarrhea, fever, abdominal cramps, and vomiting. In some cases, diarrhea can be severe enough to require hospitalization. Approximately 79,000 people become ill, and 30 people die each year from eggs contaminated with Salmonella, according to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA).
Type of Egg | Room Temperature | Refrigerated | Frozen |
Egg in Shell | Under 2 hours | Up to 5 weeks | Do not freeze |
Raw egg whites and yolk | Under 2 hours | 2 to 4 days | 1 year |
Pasteurized liquid eggs | Under 2 hours | Opened – 3 days Unopened – 10 days | 1 year |
Hard boiled eggs | Under 2 hours | 1 week | Not recommended |
Cooked dishes containing eggs | Under 2 hours | Homemade – 2 to 3 days Store-bought – 5 to 7 days | 6 months |
Drinks containing eggs (e.g., egg nog) | Under 2 hours | Homemade – 2 to 3 days Store-bought – 5 to 7 days | 6 months |
Unfortunately, eggs are one of the harder foods to tell whether they have gone bad or not. However, there are a few reliable ways to figure it out.
Check the carton for the “best before” or “sell by” date. These dates make it easier to know when the eggs are old. However, eggs can remain good past this date.
Rotten eggs will emit a slight sulfur smell that warns you something is not right. If you’re still unsure, you can crack it to smell it better.
Fill a bowl or glass with cold tap water and place an egg inside. If it sinks to the bottom or lays flat on one side, it is still fresh and good to eat. However, if the egg floats, it is because a large air cell formed at its base. That means the egg should be thrown out.
If you or a loved one became sick from eating contaminated eggs, you may be able to recover financial compensation. Contact a food safety lawyer in your area to help during a free consultation.
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