Eggs are one of the most versatile and commonly used ingredients in cooking and baking. While properly stored eggs can last for weeks in the refrigerator, many people wonder how long eggs can safely sit out at room temperature. This article will provide a comprehensive overview on how long fresh eggs can be left out before going bad.
Can Fresh Eggs Sit Out at Room Temperature?
Yes, fresh eggs can be left out at room temperature for a short period of time. However, eggs should not be left out for more than 2 hours before refrigeration. After 2 hours, bacteria can start multiplying quickly and increase the risk of salmonella poisoning. Eggs left out for more than 2 hours at room temperature should be discarded.
How Long Do Fresh Eggs Last at Room Temperature?
According to the USDA, fresh eggs can safely be left out at room temperature for up to 2 hours. Once brought to room temperature from the refrigerator, eggs left out for longer than 2 hours should be discarded. After 2 hours, the protective coating and membranes on the eggs begin to break down, making contamination and bacteria growth more likely. Additionally, room temperature encourages increased bacterial growth.
Factors That Affect How Long Eggs Can Sit Out
There are a few key factors that affect how long fresh eggs can be left out before they go bad:
- Temperature – Higher room temperatures allow for faster bacteria multiplication.
- Cleanliness – Dirty eggshells are more prone to contamination.
- Age of eggs – Older eggs near expiration lose structural integrity.
- Cracked eggs – Cracks make it easier for bacteria to enter eggs.
Warmer room temperatures, older eggs near expiration, dirty shells, and cracks can mean eggs may need to be refrigerated sooner than the 2 hour window.
Can You Leave Eggs Out Overnight?
It is not recommended to leave eggs out overnight at room temperature. Extended time at room temperature allows bacteria like salmonella to multiply to dangerous levels. Eggs left out overnight have usually been sitting out for much longer than the 2 hour safety window and should not be consumed.
Signs Eggs Have Gone Bad from Sitting Out
If you are unsure if eggs have overstayed their room temperature window, there are a few signs that indicate they have gone bad:
- Rotten egg smell
- Discoloration of the yolk or whites
- Slimy egg whites
- Presence of mold on the shell or inside
- Pink, blue, green discoloration inside
- Unusual bubbling when cracking the egg
If eggs exhibit any of those signs, it is best to discard them. When inspecting older eggs, candling them can also help determine freshness.
How Should You Store Eggs Sitting Out?
If eggs will be sitting out for a short period within the 2 hour window, follow these guidelines for safe room temperature storage:
- Keep eggs in the carton – It helps protect from contamination.
- Leave space around eggs – Don’t crowd together as it traps heat.
- Keep eggs away from direct sunlight – Direct sunlight accelerates bacteria growth.
- Avoid moisture – Wet eggshells enable bacterial penetration.
- Refrigerate after 2 hours – Don’t let eggs exceed the room temperature window.
Can You Return Eggs to the Fridge After Sitting Out?
Yes, as long as eggs have not exceeded 2 hours at room temperature, they can safely be put back in the refrigerator. The chilled temperature of the refrigerator will stop bacteria growth. Just make sure the eggs are put back in the fridge within the 2 hour window.
How Long Do Hard Boiled Eggs Last at Room Temperature?
According to the USDA, cooked hard boiled eggs can be safely left out at room temperature for up to 2 hours, the same as raw eggs. After boiling, eggs should be cooled and refrigerated within 2 hours. Hard boiled eggs should not be left out overnight.
Storing Hard Boiled Eggs in the Fridge
For hard boiled eggs you wish to save in the refrigerator after cooking:
- Cool boiled eggs quickly in an ice bath.
- Store hard boiled eggs in refrigerator within 2 hours.
- Keep hard boiled eggs in their shell until ready to use.
- Refrigerate for up to 1 week.
- Discard if eggs develop an off odor or appearance.
Can Hard Boiled Eggs Sit at Room Temp After Refrigeration?
Hard boiled eggs that have already been properly refrigerated can be taken out and left at room temperature for serving and eating for up to 2 hours. They do not need to remain chilled. Just avoid letting cooked eggs sit out for longer than 2 hours.
Does Frying or Baking Kill Bacteria in Eggs?
Proper cooking does destroy salmonella and other bacteria, however you cannot rely on cooking temperatures to make unsafe eggs safe to eat. Eggs that have been left out too long at room temperature can harbor high levels of bacteria. Cooking temperatures can decrease bacteria amounts but cannot fully eliminate the possibility of foodborne illness.
Can You Freeze Eggs Sitting Out Too Long?
Freezing cannot reverse the bacterial growth that happens when eggs sit at room temperature for too long. Eggs left out more than 2 hours should never be frozen and re-consumed later. The frozen storage will not kill the bacteria. Only eat frozen eggs that have been continuously refrigerated other than the brief room temperature window.
Room Temperature Egg Storage Summary
To summarize key room temperature storage guidelines:
- 2 hours is the maximum for eggs sitting out.
- Discard eggs out over 2 hours.
- Store eggs in the carton on the counter.
- Keep eggs away from heat and moisture.
- Refrigerate after sitting out for 2 hours.
- Do not leave eggs out overnight.
- 2 hours also applies to cooked hard boiled eggs.
- Freezing cannot save eggs left out too long.
Conclusion
Fresh eggs can safely remain at room temperature for up to 2 hours. Once brought up to room temp, eggs should not be left out longer for safety. After 2 hours, bacteria levels can multiply, increasing the changes of foodborne illness. Make sure cooked eggs are also refrigerated within 2 hours. Following safe room temperature storage and refrigeration allows you to enjoy eggs while avoiding the dangers of spoiled eggs. Be aware of any signs of spoilage and when in doubt, throw it out. Proper handling prevents health risks from eggs gone bad.