Is It Ever Safe to Eat Cracked Eggs? Food Safety Experts Weigh In

Key points

• Never buy cracked eggs at the grocery store. Damaged shells can allow harmful bacteria like Salmonella to enter.

• If you accidentally crack an egg, you can still use it. Cook it thoroughly right away, or refrigerate it immediately.

• Even small cracks can spread bacteria to your hands, countertops, and other eggs, so proper cleanup is essential.

It's an all-too-common scenario: You open a carton of eggs at the store and find a tiny crack, or your groceries take a tumble on the way home. Eggs are as fragile as they are versatile, and they can easily break during storage and transit. 

So, are cracked eggs still safe to cook for breakfast or mix into a cake batter ? Here's what food safety experts say. 

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Are cracked eggs from the grocery store safe to eat? 

You should never purchase cartons with cracked eggs from the grocery store. 

"Estimates suggest roughly one in 20,000 shell eggs in the U.S. may contain Salmonella, and cracked shells increase the opportunity for bacterial growth," says Dr. Vanessa Coffman, Alliance Director for Stop Foodborne Illness . Coffman explains that bacteria can come from the eggshell or other foods. 

"The biggest concern is that you don't know how long the egg has been cracked or what it may have been exposed to during storage, transport, or handling," adds Jessica Gavin , a certified culinary scientist. "Even a tiny crack weakens the egg's natural protective barrier, making it easier for bacteria like Salmonella to enter through the porous shell."

Coffman notes that consuming cracked eggs is particularly risky for older adults, people with weakened immune systems, children, and pregnant women. "These groups are more likely to develop illnesses like salmonellosis, have more severe cases, and are at an increased risk of long-term health effects."

Related: Yes, the Color of Your Egg Yolk Matters — Here's What It Means

What if you crack the eggs on your way home? 

Even if you do your best to purchase fully intact eggs, mistakes happen. 

If you accidentally crack an egg or two, Coffman suggests immediately refrigerating them, or better yet, cooking them as soon as possible. 

Gavin also says to exercise caution. "If an egg accidentally cracks on the way home, I recommend cooking it thoroughly right away instead of storing it for later," she says. The USDA advises cooking eggs until they have firm whites and yolks — think hard-boiled eggs or fried eggs with no runny yolks — and egg dishes like frittatas until they reach 160°F. You can also use them in thoroughly cooked baked goods or other dishes that call for eggs. 

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Keep in mind that even a small crack can spread bacteria to your hands, countertops, or other eggs in the carton. If any of the cracked egg leaks onto the carton, cook the other eggs thoroughly and wash your hands and all surfaces when handling them. 

And, if you're not sure how and when your egg cracked, just toss it. 

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