[Bodger]

*NO HOT WATER !*

[compostqueen]

I like Vic and Bob but I must say the allusion passed me by  :oops:

Sorry  

[Aunt Sally]

I've always thought it should be hottish water (20 deg warmer than the eggs), this causes the eggs contents to expand and prevent the entry of microbe contaminated water through the shell pores.

http://www.pekinbantams.com/cleaning_eggs.asp


Not washing is best as the hen puts an antiseptic coating on the shell as it is laid. Washing removes this.  Freshly laid (clean) eggs have a sterile surface.

[Roughlee Handled]

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. Class 'B' eggs and those intended for processing may be washed.
The above information is found here (see link below)
http://www.defra.gov.uk/foodrin/poultry/faq/marketing.htm#eggwash

[woodburner]

It's actually illegal to wash Grade A eggs. Eggs have a natural protective coating which if washed off allows bacteria to enter the egg.
So...you're more likely to make yourself ill from washed eggs than unwashed.

If you're worried brush them gently with a nail brush.


Egg washers are used for hatching eggs.

That may be true for the industry, and ok for anyone using an incubator, but there's no point in cleaning eggs to go under broodies (unless you have some marvellous way of making sure they can't get poop on their feet :shock: ) and I for one would rather they still have their protective coating.