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Egg and perishable food storage and safety practices

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2026-09-11 21:39 UTC → 2026-10-03 05:48 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Egg storage practices vary significantly based on regional regulations. In many European countries, such as Belgium and the Netherlands, unwashed eggs are kept at room temperature to preserve the natural cuticle. Conversely, in the United States, eggs are washed and disinfected, necessitating refrigeration to prevent Salmonella. Food safety experts and regulatory bodies, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the USDA-FSIS, and ANMAT, emphasize avoiding the refrigerator door for perishable items. Because the door is the warmest part of the appliance and subject to frequent temperature fluctuations when opened, it is considered unsuitable for highly sensitive products like milk, meat, poultry, fish, and eggs. Associate Professor Nguyen Duy Thinh from Hanoi University of Science and Technology warns that these temperature swings can create conditions conducive to bacterial proliferation and increase the risk of food poisoning. To ensure better preservation, the FDA recommends maintaining refrigerator temperatures at 4°C (39°F) or lower. Experts suggest storing eggs in their original packaging on interior shelves to maintain stable temperatures and prevent odor absorption. While the door is suitable for stable items such as mustard, ketchup, pickles, olives, and certain beverages, more sensitive goods benefit from the consistent temperatures of the main interior compartments. Nutritionists have added that leftovers, such as soups or beans, should not be stored in large pots, as the center can retain heat and encourage microorganism growth; instead, they should be divided into smaller, shallow containers to accelerate cooling. To ensure better preservation, the FDA recommends maintaining refrigerator temperatures at 4°C (39°F) or lower. To assess egg freshness, a water test can be used: an egg that lies flat is very fresh, one that stands upright is older but consumable, and one that floats should be discarded.

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