[Aunt Sally]

Same as with gardening eh Bodger

5 gardeners give 8 opinions  

Let us know if you find any references  

[Bodger]

I've had a look on the internet and eventually found someone who tends to support my ideas on this subject. I admit that most of the literature supports the theory that eggs should be washed in warm to hot water. One piece says that cold water causes the pores in the egg shell to contract. Does this action draw germs in or does it close the door to them ?

http://www.greenspun.com/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg.tcl?msg_id=008fgt

[Roughlee Handled]

I still have not found my link (the one I want) but I and going to give you two links that contradict each other.  

Firstly we have an document from the state of Nebraska about home production.
http://www.ianrpubs.unl.edu/epublic/live/g1724/build/g1724.pdf


Secondly and the one I would adhere to (if industry us it then we should), is from the UK.
http://www.defra.gov.uk/foodrin/poultry/faq/marketing.htm#eggwash

"Is egg washing permitted?

EC egg marketing legislation does not permit Class 'A' eggs to be washed. These are the class of egg most commonly found at retail level, as Class 'A' is the highest quality of egg. Such eggs may not be washed because it is considered preferable to produce a clean, quality egg in the first place reflecting high production management."

[woodburner]

Just to add my tuppenyworth, when eggs are laid they have an antibacterial coating, that helps prevent bacteria from entering the egg. If you wash eggs, this coating will be removed, regardless of the temperature of the water. For the same reason I don't sponge or rub dirty eggs until I actually want to use them.
If I am ever in the situation that someone wants eggs from me, but I don't have naturally clean eggs to give them, I would offer them dirty eggs (possibly at a discount) with the above information/explaination of why I haven't cleaned them and the advice to leave cleaing them until they want to use them.

[Roughlee Handled]

..............when eggs are laid they have an antibacterial coating, that helps prevent bacteria from entering the egg. ........................

Where is your evidence?  Or is this an old wives tail?

[Bodger]

No Stu, it is actually a  fact, that eggs have what is called a 'natural bloom' on the exterior of the shell when they are first layed. This natural bloom acts as a protective shield and washing in any temperature removes it.

[Kiwi]

when I give eggs to our friends I get a pencil and if there's any poo on it I draw a wee arrow to it and write 'Poo, courtesy of Maude x x"
or something like that!! If on the odd occasion there's a bigger bit I wipe it off on the grass!  :oops:

[compostqueen]

I won't be washing my eggs any time soon.  I wipe them clean with straw if they're a bit mucky. Keeping the nesting box clean (as clean as is possible cos don't they always go and dodo in it as soon as you add clean straw   )

I don't see the problem, it's not like you eat the shell  

[kezlou]

Nothing wrong with a  bit of c**p on your eggs, after all you only use the middle. Most of the eggs have it still on them.

[compostqueen]

you have to eat a lick of dirt before you die. Isn't that the old saying  

[poultrygeist]

Just found another article which seems to sum it all up, but a bit lengthy.

Settle down and enjoy....

http://www.foodanddrinkeurope.com/Products-Marketing/Eggs-washed-or-unwashed

basically, unwashed remain protected naturally.
Washed must be in warm water and can be protected using mineral oil.

Rob

[poultrygeist]

Just found THIS which may be what Bodger had seen. The water to clean the egg MUST be hotter than the egg. But you can use cool water to cool it down afterwards to inhibit regrowth of bacteria,etc.

Rob

[Old Whiskers]

Give me common sense and experience over scientific theory anytime   .  Over many years, I've been washing the occasional dirty egg (free-range, of course) with a sponge and cold water, and I haven't poisoned anyone yet!

[poultrygeist]

I'll stick with the scientists.  

They've kept me alive for 30 of my 43 years.  

Rob

[Old Whiskers]

For what it's worth:  Last spring I had a hen sitting on a dozen eggs. She turned out to be a bad hatcher, because the second day, she dunged in the nest and broke one of the eggs - the remaining eggs were in a right mess!  I took them out and washed them with a sponge (in cold water) and put them down under a different hatcher.  Now I didn't fancy their chances much, because I thought the "natural coating" must have been compromised.  Ten of those eleven hatched out fine!  
I'm only guessing, but I don't think gentle sponging with cold water does an egg any harm.