Never Buy Eggs if You See This Red Flag

When I'm shopping for eggs, I usually open the carton and give each one a quick check before putting it in my cart. But recently, I brought home a 30-pack of plastic-wrapped eggs that I couldn't fully inspect beforehand, and when I opened it, I found a couple of cracked eggs stuck to the bottom. It was a frustrating reminder of why that check matters so much.

Of course, I'm paying a lot for a dozen (or, in this case, 30) eggs, so I want to make sure they're all usable. But a cracked or stuck shell is also an important food-safety red flag.

If that egg has leaked into the carton, the raw egg can spread around, creating an opportunity for cross-contamination. On the surface, it might not seem like a big deal, but if you spot an egg with a cracked shell, an egg that's stuck to the carton, or other evidence of leakage, put that carton back and grab a new one.

​Why You Should Always Check for Cracked Eggs

It helps to think of the shell as more than just natural packaging. It's also a protective barrier between the raw egg and everything around it. If it cracks and leaks, the liquid doesn't always politely stay in its own cup; it can spread to the other eggs, your hands , the carton, and potentially even your shopping bag , kitchen counters, and fridge shelves. And if harmful bacteria, like salmonella, are present, it can also transfer between the shells and the carton. 

Naturally, I don't want to bring home a carton with pooled or dried raw egg inside. It's also why industry safety guidelines from the Egg Safety Center advise against reusing cartons or putting cracked shells back into a carton (I'm talking to you, Dad!).

Of course, not every cracked egg contains harmful bacteria. Nor is a carton of intact eggs guaranteed to be bacteria-free. Even fresh, clean eggs with uncracked shells can contain salmonella, but a crack can make things riskier. And when there's a whole case to choose from, why bring home the one with the added risk?

What To Look for When Buying Eggs

Thankfully, checking eggs doesn't require much detective work. I open the carton and quickly scan for visible cracks, broken areas, or a telltale wet spot. I also gently move the eggs in their compartments. If one seems stuck, I take a closer look for cracks that may be hiding underneath.

While the carton's open, it's worth a two-second glance at a few other things the U.S. Department of Agriculture suggests : The eggs should be clean, come from a refrigerated case, and still be within their date.

For most of my life, I've been opening egg cartons because I don't want to get home and discover that one of the eggs I paid for is already broken. But knowing that a crack and any leakage that comes with it can be a food-safety concern gives me an even better reason to keep doing it.

Read the original article on Simply Recipes