14.6 e Egg safety In the Kitchen

Storage

Refrigeration -- After the shell eggs reach home, it is very important to refrigerate them at a temperature of 45 °F or below.  Keep the eggs in their carton and place them in the coldest part of the refrigerator, not in the door. Storing eggs in the refrigerator door could lead to temperature fluctuations that can lead to bacteria growth.  Eggs may be refrigerated 3 to 5 weeks from the day they are placed in the refrigerator. The sell-by date will usually expire during that length of time, but the eggs are perfectly safe to use.  Liquid egg products should be kept refrigerated at all times and consumed within two to six days from the date of purchase.  Once liquid egg products are opened, they should be used immediately.

Freezing -- Fresh shell eggs can be frozen, however, NOT IN THE SHELL.  For whole eggs, yolks and egg whites, remove egg from shell and place in tightly sealed container.  Label with the date.  Refrigerated liquid eggs can be placed unopened in the freezer.  Both fresh shell eggs and refrigerated egg products can be stored in the freezer up to a year.

For frozen eggs and products, it is important to defrost only as much as needed. To defrost, place unopened containers in refrigerator or under cold water.  Frozen egg products cannot be refrozen once thawed. Thawed eggs products can be stored in the refrigerator no longer than three days.

Dried egg products should be stored in a dark, cool place and kept in their original containers.  Once reconstituted, either use the product immediately or store in the refrigerator for no more than four days in a tightly sealed container