A recent video on TikTok went viral, gathering over 24,000 likes and 2,000 comments.

Now, that’s not necessarily news – happens all the time.

But this video dealt with what many might consider a mundane, even BORING question:

Why do Americans refrigerate their eggs when Europeans don’t?

The answer has to do with two very different ways authorities of both regions address the danger of Salmonella, the bacteria that can infect eggs and make you really sick.

In the U.S., the Department of Agriculture (USDA) decided that the best way to fight contamination from Salmonella was to sanitize the eggs before they ever reached consumers’ hands.

The sanitation process, however, removes a natural coating layer on the outside of the egg – a thin membrane called the “cuticle” – which prevents bacteria from getting through pores on the egg’s shell.  When you remove this layer, the only way to protect the egg is to keep it refrigerated until use.

In Europe and other countries, however, they leave the cuticle intact as eggs travel to the market. Therefore, authorities there believe it’s safe to leave the eggs at room temperature.

There’s zero difference in taste or safety – but the key is, an American egg MUST be refrigerated because a once-cool egg, warmed up to room temperature, can sweat… enabling bacteria to grow, which can then pass through the porous shell to contaminate what’s inside.

A non-refrigerated egg in European homes can last up to 20 days total – even left on the kitchen counter. A refrigerated USA egg can stay fresh for up to 50 days. It’s said the best way to test to see if an egg is still safe to eat is to place it in water – if it sinks, it’s good. If it floats, chuck it.

Here at Money & Clarity, we promise to provide you with service and a financial plan eggs-actly matched to your unique plans and goals. Just give us a call at 513-563-PLAN (7526) or book online, and we can help you and your finances stay up fresh for many years to come.

Regards,
Nikki Earley, CFP® & Dan Cuprill, CFP®

P.S.  To learn the steps you can take to protect and even capitalize on recent investment volatility in light of COVID-19, check out my webinar.