Simple Food-Safety Tips to Help Consumers Choose Fresh, Clean and Safe Eggs.
Enugu Media Village (EMV), the Most Updated Online News Platform | September 24, 2026.
Eggs are a popular and affordable source of high-quality protein and essential nutrients, making them a regular part of many Nigerian households’ diets. However, proper attention should be paid to the quality, freshness, handling and storage of eggs before they are purchased and consumed.
Knowing how to identify quality eggs can help consumers make safer choices and reduce the risk of consuming contaminated or spoiled food.
1. Examine the Shell Carefully
One of the first things to check when buying eggs is the condition of the shell.
Quality eggs should have shells that are clean, intact and free from cracks, leaks, mould or unusual contamination. Cracked eggs should generally be avoided because cracks can allow harmful bacteria to enter the egg.
The shell should also feel reasonably firm when handled. However, shell colour alone does not determine whether an egg is more nutritious or of better quality.
2. Check How the Eggs Are Stored
Storage conditions are important when assessing egg quality. Consumers should avoid purchasing eggs that have been exposed to excessive heat, direct sunlight, moisture or visibly unhygienic conditions for prolonged periods.
Where possible, buy eggs from vendors, supermarkets or farms that maintain clean storage conditions and handle their products properly.
3. Pay Attention to Freshness
For packaged eggs, consumers should check available date information and follow the storage instructions provided by the producer.
At home, eggs should be stored appropriately and protected from contamination. Avoid washing eggs unnecessarily before storage, as washing can affect the egg’s natural protective coating.
4. The Water Test Can Indicate Age
A simple water test is sometimes used at home to assess how old an egg may be.
Place the uncracked egg in a bowl of water. A relatively fresh egg will generally sink and lie flat, while an older egg may stand upright or float because the air space inside the egg increases over time.
However, the water test does not confirm that an egg is safe to eat. A floating egg is an indication that it is older, not necessarily that it is spoiled. Other signs should also be considered.
5. Crack the Egg Separately Before Cooking
When there is uncertainty about an egg, crack it into a separate clean bowl before adding it to other ingredients.
A fresh egg will generally have a firm egg white and a yolk that retains a rounded shape. If the egg has an unusual appearance or a strong, unpleasant odour after cracking, it should be discarded.
Consumers should never taste a questionable raw egg to determine whether it is safe.
6. Consider the Source
Where possible, purchase eggs from trusted farms, supermarkets and reputable vendors. Eggs should be handled hygienically from the point of production through transportation, sale and storage.
Consumers should also be cautious about eggs that appear dirty, damaged or poorly handled.
7. Proper Cooking Remains Essential
Selecting a good-quality egg is only one part of food safety. Eggs can carry harmful bacteria even when their shells look normal.
Proper cooking helps reduce this risk. Eggs should be cooked thoroughly, particularly when they are being served to young children, older adults, pregnant women or people with weakened immune systems.
What Consumers Should Remember
When buying eggs, pay attention to the condition of the shell, cleanliness, storage conditions, freshness and smell or appearance after cracking.
Good egg selection, proper storage and thorough cooking can help households enjoy the nutritional benefits of eggs while maintaining good food-safety practices.
EMV Health & Fitness encourages consumers to make informed food choices and pay attention to proper hygiene, storage and preparation practices in their everyday diets.
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