Khaberni - Dr. Samah Nuh, head of the Veterinary Guidance Department, warns against a common habit among housewives, which consists of washing the eggs before storing them in the refrigerator, confirming that this behavior can lead to rapid spoilage of the eggs and increase the chances of food poisoning.
Dr. Samah explained that some housewives believe that washing eggs before storing them is necessary to remove dirt and remnants of chicken feces, but the scientific truth confirms the opposite. Washing the eggs before storage leads to the removal of the thin natural membrane that covers the shell and protects it from contamination, allowing microbes and fungi to enter through the tiny pores in the shell.
Samah added that one of the cases observed recently showed the appearance of fungal spots on local eggs that were washed before packing, due to the mixing of water with remnants of dirt, which led to rapid fungal growth and spoilage of the eggs.
She emphasized that the shell is not a solid mass as some believe, but is porous and resembles skin, and with the removal of the protective membrane, it becomes more susceptible to internal contamination.
Dr. Samah stressed the importance of not washing eggs before storage, and to only choose clean eggs as much as possible, then wash them using a soft brush immediately before use only, to ensure their safety and prevent the transfer of any contaminants into the egg.
She concluded her advice by saying, "Only wash the eggs immediately before use so there won't be any chance for contamination."
