If You See These 4 Signs on an Eggshell, Throw It Away Immediately!

You don’t need to crack an egg to determine if it’s safe to eat—just inspecting the shell can give you a clear answer.

 

 

Eggs are a highly nutritious and common staple in daily meals. However, if not carefully checked before consumption, they can pose serious health risks. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), commercially sold eggs can be refrigerated for 3 to 5 weeks. However, if an eggshell shows any of the following four signs, it should be discarded immediately to prevent bacterial contamination and food poisoning.

1. Cracked Eggshell

A cracked eggshell allows bacteria, especially Salmonella, to enter. This bacteria can cause acute gastroenteritis, leading to symptoms like nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and fever. In vulnerable individuals such as the elderly, young children, pregnant women, and those with chronic conditions like diabetes or liver disease, a Salmonella infection can be more severe, potentially leading to sepsis or even death.

Dr. Yan Zonghai, Director of the Clinical Toxicology Center at Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital (Taiwan), warns that even tiny cracks in eggshells pose a high risk of food contamination, and cracked eggs should never be consumed.

2. Mold on the Shell

According to Dr. Yan, if an eggshell has mold, it must be thrown away immediately. Mold indicates that bacteria have already penetrated the egg, increasing the risk of food poisoning or gastrointestinal infections.

Some people mistakenly believe that simply washing off the mold makes the egg safe to eat. However, bacteria may have already seeped inside the egg, and washing the shell cannot completely remove the contamination. Moldy eggs are particularly prone to Salmonella infection, which can cause severe diarrhea, fever, nausea, and abdominal pain.

3. Unusual Color or Black Spots on the Shell

A healthy eggshell is typically smooth and uniformly white or brown. If you notice discoloration, black spots, or a greenish hue on the shell, it could indicate bacterial contamination or spoilage. These spots often appear due to mold growth or damage during storage.

Consuming such eggs may lead to symptoms like stomach pain, diarrhea, or even severe food poisoning. Dr. Yan advises immediately discarding eggs with these signs to avoid potential health risks.

4. Sticky, Slimy, or Unusual Substances on the Shell

If the eggshell feels sticky, slimy, or unusually damp, it could be a sign of bacterial growth or spoilage. The slimy layer is often a bacterial biofilm, which can indicate severe contamination.

If this layer appears greenish or emits a foul odor, the egg is likely rotting. Dr. Yan strongly warns against washing and using such eggs, as bacteria may have already deeply infiltrated the egg’s interior, posing a serious risk of food poisoning.

Bottom Line

Always inspect eggs carefully before consuming them. If you notice cracks, mold, discoloration, or slime, discard them immediately—don’t risk your health for the sake of saving an egg!