There have been many questions about how to store eggs. I ran across this answer and thought it worth sharing:
Refrigerating Eggs
In Europe, eggs are kept on the counter, while here in America we are told to keep them refrigerated. Here is why.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, all eggs sold in U.S. supermarkets must be washed and sanitized before being transported and stored at temperatures no higher than 45 degrees Fahrenheit. They must remain refrigerated (the USDA recommends storing eggs at 40 degrees) for two main reasons: to keep existing bacteria from rapidly multiplying and to stop additional bacteria from entering through the shell, made porous because washing removes a protective outer layer called the cuticle. Because eggs sold in the European Union are never washed, they can be stored unrefrigerated in a cool, dry place. But here in the States, don’t even think about keeping your eggs out on the counter.
Sandra Wu, Cook’s Illustrated, September & October, 2006
Refrigerating Eggs
In Europe, eggs are kept on the counter, while here in America we are told to keep them refrigerated. Here is why.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, all eggs sold in U.S. supermarkets must be washed and sanitized before being transported and stored at temperatures no higher than 45 degrees Fahrenheit. They must remain refrigerated (the USDA recommends storing eggs at 40 degrees) for two main reasons: to keep existing bacteria from rapidly multiplying and to stop additional bacteria from entering through the shell, made porous because washing removes a protective outer layer called the cuticle. Because eggs sold in the European Union are never washed, they can be stored unrefrigerated in a cool, dry place. But here in the States, don’t even think about keeping your eggs out on the counter.
Sandra Wu, Cook’s Illustrated, September & October, 2006