Egg quality in the retail store and in the home
This handbook deals mainly with the producer’s influence on egg quality. Retailers and consumers can also minimise the decline in egg quality by observing some basic guidelines.
The way eggs are stored is as important as how long they are stored. Eggs can lose as much quality in one day at room temperature as in 4 to 5 days in the refrigerator. Retailers should have adequate refrigerated holding space, avoid storage of eggs close to strong-smelling foods, display eggs away from sunlight, and strictly rotate stocks (i.e. keep older stock in front of fresh stock so that all eggs are sold as fresh as possible).
Consumers should avoid handling eggs roughly and leaving them in hot vehicles. At home, eggs are best stored in the refrigerator in their carton. The carton provides protection from damage, slows down moisture loss and helps prevent the absorption of odours from strong-smelling foods.
© The State of Queensland, Australia (through its Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries) and DSM Nutritional Products Ltd., 2007. No part of this publication may be reproduced, copied or transmitted save with prior written permission of Director, Intellectual Property Commercialisation Unit, Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries, GPO Box 46 Brisbane, Queensland, Australia 4001, and DSM Nutritional Products Ltd.