Good egg storage protects freshness, quality and food safety. The simplest approach is also the best: refrigerate eggs promptly, keep them in their original carton and follow the date and storage instructions printed on the pack.
Should eggs be kept in the fridge?
Yes. In Australia, eggs should be refrigerated after purchase. A consistent cold temperature helps maintain quality and slows bacterial growth.
Place eggs on a central refrigerator shelf rather than in the door, where the temperature changes more often as the fridge is opened.
Keep eggs in their original carton
The carton helps protect eggs from knocks, limits moisture loss and reduces the chance of them absorbing strong food odours. It also keeps the use-by date and producer information close at hand.
Check the carton date first
Use the date printed on the carton as your primary guide. Storage time depends on how the eggs have been handled, so avoid relying on a single general rule when the pack provides specific instructions.
Do not use badly cracked eggs
Inspect eggs before cooking. Discard eggs that are badly cracked, leaking or have an unusual smell after cracking. When in doubt, crack each egg into a separate small bowl before adding it to the rest of a recipe.
Fresh eggs and older eggs cook differently
Very fresh eggs tend to hold their shape better, making them useful for poaching and frying. Eggs closer to their carton date can still be useful for thoroughly cooked dishes, baking, scrambling and hard boiling, provided they have been stored correctly and remain within the labelled date.
Handle raw egg carefully
Wash and dry your hands after handling raw egg, keep utensils and surfaces clean, and avoid transferring raw egg onto ready-to-eat food. Dishes containing raw or lightly cooked egg require extra care, particularly when serving vulnerable people.
Shop eggs online at Whisked
Explore the Whisked egg range online and compare available producers, sizes and farming methods. For more practical breakfast advice, browse our Breakfast Guides.
Food safety guidance can change. Always follow the carton instructions and current advice from Food Standards Australia New Zealand.