For refrigerated eggs in the United States, eggs left out overnight are not safe to eat. Discard them. Refrigerated shell eggs should not sit at room temperature for more than 2 hours, or more than 1 hour when the temperature is above 90 degrees F.
Quick Answer
| Situation | What to do | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerated raw eggs left out overnight | Discard them | They were out past the 2-hour safety window. |
| Refrigerated eggs left out less than 2 hours | Put them back in the refrigerator | Keep them cold and use them normally. |
| Eggs left out above 90 degrees F | Discard after 1 hour | Warm rooms, patios, and cars shorten the safe window. |
| Hard-boiled eggs or egg dishes left out overnight | Discard them | Cooked egg foods also need time and temperature control. |
| Farm eggs that were never washed or refrigerated | Follow the producer’s handling advice | Storage practices differ by country and production method. |
Why Overnight Is Too Long
Egg safety is about time and temperature. Once refrigerated eggs warm up and sit out, bacteria can grow more easily. Putting those eggs back in the refrigerator later does not reset the clock or make them safe again.
This guidance is especially important for store-bought eggs in the United States, where commercially sold shell eggs are refrigerated. If those eggs were on the counter all night, do not use them for baking, scrambling, boiling, or any other recipe.
What About the Float Test?
The float test can suggest whether an egg is older because air space inside the shell grows over time. It does not prove the egg is safe. An egg can sink and still carry a food-safety risk, so do not use the float test to rescue eggs that were left out overnight.
Raw Eggs, Hard-Boiled Eggs, and Egg Dishes
The same practical rule applies to many egg situations: do not leave perishable egg foods at room temperature for more than 2 hours, or more than 1 hour above 90 degrees F.
- Raw shell eggs: keep them refrigerated until you are ready to use them.
- Hard-boiled eggs: refrigerate them promptly and discard them if they sat out overnight.
- Scrambled eggs, quiche, casseroles, and custards: refrigerate leftovers quickly and reheat cooked leftovers to 165 degrees F when reheating is appropriate.
- Eggs left in a car: treat a warm car like a hot room. If the time and temperature are uncertain, discard the eggs.
Why Some Countries Store Eggs Differently
You may see advice from other countries where eggs are commonly kept at room temperature. That does not automatically apply to refrigerated store-bought eggs in the United States. Production, washing, vaccination, and retail storage practices differ.
If you buy local farm eggs that were never washed or refrigerated, follow the producer’s instructions and your local food-safety guidance. Once eggs have been refrigerated, keep them refrigerated.
How to Store Eggs Safely
- Keep eggs cold: store them in the refrigerator, ideally at 40 degrees F or below.
- Use the carton: the carton protects the eggs and helps you track the date.
- Avoid the refrigerator door: a shelf inside the refrigerator keeps a steadier temperature than the door.
- Do not wash store-bought eggs: use them as packaged and discard cracked or dirty eggs.
- Plan ahead for baking: if a recipe calls for room-temperature eggs, take out only what you need and do not leave them out longer than the safe window.
FAQ
Are eggs left out overnight safe to eat?
For refrigerated eggs in the United States, no. Discard eggs left out overnight because refrigerated shell eggs should not sit at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
How long can eggs sit out?
Refrigerated shell eggs should not sit out for more than 2 hours, or more than 1 hour if the temperature is above 90 degrees F.
Can you put eggs back in the fridge after they sat out?
Only if they were out within the safe time window. If refrigerated eggs were left out overnight, do not put them back for later use; discard them.
Does the egg float test show whether eggs are safe?
No. The float test can suggest freshness, but it does not prove an egg is safe from Salmonella or other food-safety risks.
Where should eggs be stored in the refrigerator?
Keep eggs in their carton in a cold part of the refrigerator, not on the door, so the temperature stays more stable.