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Daily Mirror
14-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Warning over 'dangerous' egg storage mistake that could make you ill
Health experts have warned that eggs can be more dangerous than you think if not properly handled, and have shared some essential tips for safely storing them in the fridge Food safety experts are raising concerns over the incorrect storage of eggs, a common mistake that could potentially lead to serious health issues. From unseen and unscented spoilage to salmonella risks, eggs can pose more danger than one might assume if not handled correctly, even when they appear perfectly fine. Eggs left unrefrigerated or at room temperature for prolonged periods can become unsafe for consumption. The optimal place to store eggs is in the fridge, ideally maintaining a temperature around 4C, but it's crucial to avoid storing them in the fridge door. To minimise the risk of salmonella, the British Egg Industry Council (BEIC) administered egg info website advises purchasing eggs bearing the British Lion mark, which guarantees that the eggs originate from hens vaccinated against salmonella. Experts caution against storing eggs in the fridge door due to its fluctuating temperatures, as eggs need to be kept at a steady, cool temperature. Additionally, it's recommended to keep your eggs in their original carton to prolong their freshness and prevent them from absorbing odours from other foods. The carton also offers some protection against accidental bumps and cracks, reports the Express. If you do remove eggs from the carton, ensure they're stored and used in date order to maintain freshness, and always use the oldest eggs first. The UK Food Standards Agency has issued advice on the best practices for storing eggs, particularly when cracked for later use. Citing the importance of refrigeration, the agency stresses that liquid egg should be covered and kept in the fridge as opposed to room temperature. The Food Standards Agency highlighted: "Ideally, eggs should be stored in the fridge. The storage area should be cleaned regularly. Follow the manufacturer's advice and avoid storing eggs where they would be exposed to extreme temperature changes." They further warned: "Temperature changes can lead to condensation on the surface, which causes increased penetration of Salmonella from the outside of the shell into the egg." Their guidance is clear - only crack the number of eggs you plan to use on the same day and don't keep liquid egg for over a day. When using, take out only what you need, without combining old and new eggs, ensuring one lot is used up before moving onto another. Storing eggs near raw meat is a definite no-no to prevent cross-contamination, and the use of dirty or damaged eggs should be avoided as they pose a greater health risk. Eggs are delicates, prone to spoilage post-cooking, so any cooked leftovers should be consumed swiftly, ideally within a day to fend off foodborne illnesses.


Business Mayor
13-05-2025
- Health
- Business Mayor
Warning to anyone with eggs in their fridge
Food safety specialists are sounding the alarm over improper storage habits of eggs, with common misconceptions that could leave you seriously ill. From salmonella risks to spoilage which you can't see or smell, eggs can be more dangerous than you think if not properly handled even if they look fine. Improperly refrigerated eggs, especially when left at room temperature for extended periods, can become dangerous to eat. The best place to store them is in the fridge, ideally at a temperature of around 4C but avoid storing them in the fridge door. First, to minimise the risk of salmonella, the egg info website administered by the British Egg Industry Council (BEIC), recommends buying eggs with the British Lion mark to ensure that the eggs you are purchasing eggs that have come from hens that have been vaccinated against salmonella. According to the experts, storing them in the fridge door is not ideal as the temperature fluctuates more there and eggs should be kept at a constant, cool temperature. Moreover, you should store your eggs in their original carton to keep them fresh for longer and shield the eggs from absorbing smells from other foods. The carton also provides some protection against bumps and cracks. If you do take eggs out of the carton, be sure to store and use them in date order to maintain freshness and always rotate your stock by using the oldest eggs first. The UK Food Standards Agency recommends that if you break eggs for later use, the liquid egg should be stored covered in the refrigerator, never at room temperature. The Food Standards Agency wrote: 'Ideally, eggs should be stored in the fridge. The storage area should be cleaned regularly. Follow the manufacturer's advice and avoid storing eggs where they would be exposed to extreme temperature changes. 'Temperature changes can lead to condensation on the surface, which causes increased penetration of Salmonella from the outside of the shell into the egg.' Only break the number of eggs needed for the day, and avoid keeping liquid egg for more than 24 hours. Take out small amounts as needed, and never top up old batches with fresh eggs and make sure you only use one batch completely before starting a new one. Never store eggs near raw meat to reduce the risk of cross-contamination and never use dirty, cracked, or broken eggs, as they are more likely to harbour bacteria that could lead to you getting sick. Eggs are highly perishable, and once they've been cooked, they should be consumed within a short time frame to avoid food poisoning. If there are any leftovers, store them correctly and eat them within the next 24 hours. READ SOURCE


BBC News
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Thrilled Bugle family find 'malteser shaped' egg
A family has said they are "thrilled" to have found a small round chicken egg. Josh Elkington, from Bugle, near St Austell in Cornwall, said the egg was laid by one of his brown Brahma chickens called Julie. His mum, Anna Elkington, said the little egg was in the "shape of a chocolate Malteser". "It was so unexpected and we laughed for hours over how small this egg was," Mr Elkington said. 'So rare' It comes after a round egg sold at Bearnes Hampton Littlewood Auctioneers in Exeter for £420, with proceeds going to the Devon Rape Crisis Elkington said: "We're thrilled to have something that is known to be so rare that it's almost one in a billion."We're excited that it's something we can show off to people."The British Egg Industry Council estimates 11.9 billion eggs are produced in the UK each year.