Britons are being advised to move eggs from kitchen worktops and cupboards into the fridge during the summer months. Food specialists warn that while eggs are usually safe at room temperature, hot weather increases the risk of spoilage.
Why eggs need chilling in summer
In British supermarkets, eggs are displayed on shelves rather than in refrigerated sections because minimal processing preserves their natural protective layer, which keeps out bacteria and moisture. However, August's humidity and variable temperatures can jeopardise egg safety, as they require a constant storage temperature.
Specialists at Geldard Farm Eggs have shared guidance suggesting it may be preferable to transfer eggs into the fridge during summer to keep them fresh. They said: "For maximum freshness, it's best to store eggs in the refrigerator at a steady temperature below 20°C. The consistent cool environment slows down the ageing process and helps maintain egg quality for longer."
Risks of warm storage
Keeping eggs above 20°C can cause condensation, creating conditions favourable for Salmonella and other bacteria to penetrate the shell. This heightens the risk of food poisoning or of the eggs deteriorating before their use-by date, making room-temperature storage more hazardous during warmer months.
Best place in the fridge
The ideal location for eggs in the fridge is the middle or lower shelf, not the door, where an egg tray may be situated. The experts noted: "Many refrigerators have an egg tray in the door, but this isn't the best place for storage. The temperature in the fridge door fluctuates due to frequent opening and closing, which can reduce egg freshness."
Since eggshells are porous and absorb strong odours from surrounding foods, it is sensible to keep eggs away from pungent items like onions or garlic to avoid unwanted impact on flavour.
