They can. A closed fridge keeps food cold for about 4 hours during a power cut. If the power is out longer, or the eggs were above 40°F (4°C) for more than 2 hours, the USDA says to throw them out. That includes fresh eggs, hard-boiled eggs and egg dishes.
What to do when the power goes out
- Keep the fridge and freezer doors closed. A closed fridge stays cold for about 4 hours. A full freezer keeps food frozen for about 48 hours (24 if it’s half full).
- Put an appliance thermometer in the fridge if you have one, so you know the real temperature when the power comes back.
- If the outage will last longer than 4 hours, move eggs and other perishables into a cooler packed with ice.
When the power comes back
| Situation | Eggs |
|---|---|
| Fridge stayed at 40°F (4°C) or below | Keep |
| Power out less than 4 hours, door kept closed | Keep |
| Above 40°F for more than 2 hours, or 1 hour above 90°F outside | Throw out |
| Not sure how warm or how long | Throw out |
Don’t rely on smell or the float test. Eggs that warmed up can carry Salmonella without looking, smelling or behaving any differently. When in doubt, throw them out.
Why eggs are on the list
In countries like the US, eggs are washed before sale, which removes their natural protective coating, so they must stay refrigerated. Once a cold egg warms up, condensation can form on the shell and help bacteria get inside, so warmed eggs shouldn’t go back in the fridge.
Quick answers
What about eggs kept in a cooler with ice?
They’re fine if the cooler kept them at 40°F or below.
Can I cook the eggs to make them safe?
No. If they were above 40°F for more than 2 hours, throw them out rather than cooking them.
Sources: USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service, Keep Your Food Safe During Emergencies; FoodSafety.gov, Food Safety During Power Outage.