Egg Safety

Here you’ll find some informative information on egg safety. If you don’t find the answer here, go to the Egg Safety Center.

Do egg farmers inject their hens with hormones?

No. Egg farmers in the US do not fed egg-laying hens growth hormones. Egg Laying hens are feed a high quality, nutritionally balanced diet. The diet mostly contains soybean meal and corn with added vitamins and minerals. Nutritious feed is formulated to produce safe, healthy and quality eggs.

Is it safe to use eggs that have cracks?

Do not purchase eggs that are cracked. Bacteria can enter an egg through any cracks in the shell. If you accidentally crack your egg at home transfer it into a sealed container and use within two days. When cooking the egg be sure to cook it thoroughly until both the white and yolk are well done.

My hard cooked egg has a green ring around the yolk. Is it safe to eat?

Yes, it is safe to eat, but it has been over cooked. The green ring is caused by sulfur and iron compounds reacting with the surface of the yolk.

The white of my egg is cloudy. Is it safe to eat?

Yes. A cloudy egg white means your egg is very fresh.

Why do hard boiled eggs spoil faster than fresh shell eggs?

Hard boiled eggs should be used within one week. The process of boiling an egg washes away the protective coating on the shell. This leaves the pores of the shell open and bacteria can enter.

What’s the best way to store eggs?

The best way to store Gemperle farms eggs is to keep them in the refrigerator in their original carton. Make sure you check the date to be sure they are still fresh. Avoid putting the eggs in the refrigerator door where the temperature may fluctuate.

Can I eat an egg with a blood spot?

Blood spots are occasionally found on an egg yolk and they are formed by a blood vessel that ruptures on the yolks surface when it is being formed or from the hen’s oviduct wall. Most of these eggs never make it to the market because they are detected by electronic scanning machines but some are missed. It is totally safe to eat eggs with blood spots.

At Gemperle Farms we always say food safety comes first. We are certified with The Safe Quality Food Institute and follow the strict guidelines. For additional egg safety information visit: The Egg Safety Center