United States consumers are also accustomed to washed eggs (the ones in the supermarket are generally required to be washed), so that’s also a consideration in deciding whether to wash. Individual state regulations for smaller egg operations may exempt some egg producers from the above egg washing rule in the US so it’s important to make sure you’re in compliance with whatever rules apply in your state. They are then dried to remove excess moisture. After washing, the eggs must be rinsed with a warm water spray containing a chemical sanitizer to remove any remaining bacteria. A detergent that won’t impart any foreign odors to the eggs must also be used. The USDA requires producers to wash eggs with warm water at least 20☏ warmer than the internal temperature of the eggs and at a minimum of 90☏. In general, the USDA requires that eggs that are to be sold be washed (see this link). If you sell your eggs, then it’s important to check the rules in your state concerning whether they need to be washed. Obviously then, if you don’t intend to wash your eggs, it’s best to keep nest boxes nice and clean so that as many eggs as possible remain clean. However, eggs that have dirt, feathers, or chicken droppings attached when removed from the nest box should be washed in warm water (eggs should not be washed in cool water as this pushes bacteria into the shell pores) and used first. So, eggs that are removed from the nest box that are clean, are best left unwashed until just before use. Washing the eggs removes this protective layer, and does reduce the time that the egg will remain fresh. This coating seals the shell pores, prevents bacteria from getting inside the shell, and reduces moisture loss from the egg – all designed to make the egg last longer. Just before laying an egg, the hen adds a protective layer called “bloom” or cuticle (see Understanding Egg Bloom) to the outside of the egg. The great thing about having your own chickens providing eggs is that you can decide, and do what works best for your situation. So the question arises – is it best to wash the eggs after collecting them or leave them unwashed?ĭespite what regulations in much of the US say, the answer is, it’s generally better to leave the egg unwashed. Different cultures treat egg washing in different ways – many cultures (such as all the EU countries) prohibit washing fresh eggs that are to be sold whereas most places in the US require them to be washed.
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