Cracked eggs may pose a particular danger — here’s what to know

With the current high price of eggs, it can be disheartening to open a box at home and see that one or two eggs have cracked – either in transit on the way back from the store or for some unknown reason in the fridge.

U.S. egg production fell 4% in November due to falling egg prices and cases of bird flu continue to grow across the country, according to a report from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), as FOX Business reported this week.

But what can be done with broken eggs? Is all hope lost?

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An egg expert shared some “eggspertize” on the subject.

“Basically, it all comes down to when the egg cracked,” Lisa Steele, author of “Fresh Eggs Daily” and a Maine backyard chicken expert, told Fox News Digital.

An egg that is found cracked in the store should not be used as it could be dangerous. (iStock)

Steele said she “wouldn’t use an egg that I found cracked in a box I bought at the grocery store,” since the consumer has no idea how long it’s been sitting there cracked.

It is also important to check the eggs for cracks before purchasing.

The egg shell, together with the egg membrane, protects the egg from harmful bacteriasuch as salmonella.

During the winter, backyard chicken eggs are more susceptible to cracking due to cold temperatures.

“But if you know you accidentally broke an egg, then I would cook that one and call it good,” she said.

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During the winter, backyard chicken eggs are more susceptible to cracking due to cold temperatures, Steele told Fox News Digital.

For Steele personally, she said she would use an egg that she had accidentally ruptured recently – but only if she still had an intact membrane.

Be sure to check the eggs for cracks before buying them in the store. (iStock)

“That membrane protects [the egg] from bacteria,” she said.

“You can just crack an egg into a small bowl, cover it with plastic wrap or a lid, and use it within two days—making sure to cook it fully to at least 160 degrees.”

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But if the membrane is broken, people are not safe to eat, Steele said.

However, it is still good for compost.

“Calcium in the husk is great for the soil,” she said.

The Ministry of Agriculture has shared similar guidelines on its website.

“Bacteria can enter eggs through cracks in the shell. Never buy cracked eggs,” the USDA said.

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Eggs that crack during a cooking process, such as hard-boiling, “are safe,” the USDA noted.

You don’t have to throw away these broken eggs.

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Also, “remember that all eggs should be thoroughly cooked,” said the same source.

Although eggs have not historically been considered a “health food,” the FDA now classifies them as a “nutrient-dense health food,” according to the new proposed rule.

The FDA now classifies eggs as a “nutrient-dense health food,” according to the new proposed rule. (John Kelly/Alamy Stock Photo)

The update is the result of changes in nutrition science and dietary recommendations, according to the agency.

For more lifestyle articles visit www.foxnews.com/lifestyle

Melissa Rudy and Greg Wehner, both of Fox News Digital, contributed reporting.