Both large and small farms raise chickens, turkeys, ducks, and other birds for eggs. It is a great way for many to get children involved by giving them a job on your farm. Whether you enjoy eating farm-fresh eggs or selling them for additional income, proper handling techniques can help prevent foodborne illness. Often, it is up to individual farm decisions and state regulations regarding whether or not to wash your eggs.
As a general rule, shell eggs need not be washed. However, if eggs are soiled with faecal matter, they can be washed (with household detergent if required). Washed eggs should be used immediately. Avoid eating raw or inadequately cooked eggs and egg products, particularly so for the elderly, infants and pregnant women.
How can I keep my eggs clean without washing?
By preventing the buildup of feces and other debris in your facilities, you can prevent some contamination of your eggs. Whether your birds are housed in coops, cages, runs, or free-range, it is important to keep their housing clean. If you are using closed facilities, changing bedding/litter can often keep feces and debris, like feathers, off your eggs. Frequently gathering eggs can lessen the time eggs stay in contact with harmful materials.
Should I clean my eggs?
Eggs that are not thoroughly cleaned can cause human illness. Salmonella, a disease associated with poultry, can also be passed through contaminated shells. Dirty shells contaminate clean cooking areas, kitchen utensils, food, or hands. Eggs have small pores which harmful bacteria can enter. Even shells that appear clean can carry germs. Even so, eggs do not need to be washed. If not washed, they can keep without spoiling for weeks without refrigeration.
Whether or not to wash your eggs comes down to personal beliefs or state regulations. In some states, you must wash your eggs before you sell them. If eggs are washed, they must be refrigerated. Check out your state regulations about farm selling before choosing to wash or not wash your eggs.
Preparing Egg Shells For Their Many Uses
FAQ
How do you clean eggshells?
Do you need to wash eggshells before using in garden?
Do I need to wash eggs before cooking?
Is there bacteria on egg shells?
Can You Wash eggshells in water?
Since eggshells are porous, you don’t want to immerse them in water, Blanchard explains. But feel free to wash them individually using 90 to 120° F water to remove any debris. (Colder water has the potential to pull bacteria into the pores of the eggs, while warm water allows the eggs to expand and push any bacteria away.)
How to determine if boiled eggs are safe to eat?
Before actually cooking. Eggs that are fresh should sink horizontally into the water; those that are still good, but not so fresh, can be slanted at the bottom of the glass; spoiled and rotten eggs should float in the water.
Do eggs need to be washed?
Washing water should be warm, but not scalding. Eggs shouldn’t be left in standing water (as, again, unwanted contaminants could enter through the porous eggshell). Finally, an unscented dishwashing liquid can provide some extra cleanliness. In the end, most of the billions of the eggs we consume every year in the U.S. don’t need to be washed.
Do eggshells need to be rinsed?
In addition to brushing off the debris and most chances of bacteria, you’re also taking off that natural “bloom.” Since eggshells are porous, you don’t want to immerse them in water, Blanchard explains. But feel free to wash them individually using 90 to 120° F water to remove any debris.