How long can eggs be left out of the refrigerator?

Shell eggs and hardboiled eggs need to be returned to the refrigerator with two hours.  But if the temperature is 85 degrees or above the eggs need to be refrigerated within one hour. Dishes containing egg, casseroles and quiches, need to be served immediately and the leftovers refrigerated. If serving on a buffet use ice

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What is the safe temperature to cook eggs?

  Adequate cooking brings eggs to a temperature high enough to destroy bacteria that might be present in the egg yolk or egg white. Egg white coagulates at 144-149° F, yolk coagulates at 149-158° F, and whole eggs coagulate at 144-158° F.  A food thermometer is an invaluable tool to quickly check for the right temperature.

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Are raw eggs safe to eat?

Raw eggs or any products containing raw eggs should not be eaten. This includes cookie dough, cake mix, or other yet to be cooked foods that contain raw eggs. Even though the likelihood that an egg might contain bacteria is very small, the only way to ensure that any bacteria may be present is killed

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What process makes an egg pasteurized?

In-shell pasteurized eggs have been heated in their shells to a precise temperature to destroy bacteria or viruses.  The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) states that pasteurized eggs may be used safely without cooking in recipes calling for raw eggs.  Caesar salad, mayonnaise, meringues, eggnog and ice cream are all foods where pasteurized eggs should

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Where can I learn more about egg nutrition?

Eggs are a natural source of high-quality protein and a number of other nutrients – at only about 70 calories per egg. Nutrition research suggests eggs can play a role in weight management, muscle strength, healthy pregnancy, brain function, eye health and more. For more information on egg nutrition, visit the Egg Nutrition Center.

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Are cage-free or organic eggs more nutritious than other types of eggs?

    The nutrient content of eggs is similar regardless of the hen housing environment. In fact, one large egg has varying amounts of 13 essential vitamins and minerals and high-quality protein.  There’s also no nutritional difference between white or brown eggs; the different shell color is determined by the breed of hen that produced

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Can I eat eggs if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?

Eggs are as safe to eat during pregnancy or nursing as any other time of life – provided they are handled properly and cooked adequately. In fact, according to the Egg Nutrition Center, essential nutrients within the egg can support a healthy pregnancy, growth and development of children, and muscle mass and function during aging. Eggs

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What should I do with leftovers containing eggs?

Promptly refrigerate any leftovers containing eggs. Thoroughly reheat leftovers to an internal temperature of 165°F. Eat leftovers within two to three days. Without tasting them, discard any egg-containing leftovers that have been refrigerated for more than three days. A good resource to help manage leftovers is the USDA FoodKeeper app.  This application provides food storage information

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How long are hard-cooked eggs safe to eat? Why do hard-cooked eggs spoil faster than fresh eggs?

Hard-cooked eggs, with intact shells, should be refrigerated within two hours of cooking and used within one week. Egg shells have a protective coating that is washed away when eggs are hard-cooked. This leaves the pores in the shell open for bacteria to enter.  If eggs crack during cooking or are peeled, they should be

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What exactly is cross-contamination and what should I do about it?

Bacteria can spread from people to food, or from one food or piece of equipment to another. This is called cross-contamination. To help prevent cross-contamination, it’s important to separate foods—especially raw meat, seafood, eggs, and poultry—from other foods. Also wash hands, utensils and surfaces with warm, soapy water before and after handling raw eggs.

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