How long can eggs stay outside of the fridge? It depends on the eggs and what you’re doing with them. Many baking recipes ask for eggs at room temperature, and some people store their eggs on the counter instead of in the fridge. But since eggs are sold refrigerated, should they be kept that way?

Yes, for safe storage, American store-bought eggs need to be refrigerated, but there’s a bit of flexibility.

According to the American Egg Board, you can leave eggs on the counter for about 2 hours at room temperature (or 1 hour if it’s really hot, like 90°F or more). After that, it’s safer to toss them out and grab a fresh dozen. Why? Because when eggs warm up, bacteria can grow faster, and eggs can harbor salmonella.

But don’t worry, handling and cooking eggs safely is pretty simple. Keep them refrigerated below 40°F, throw out any cracked ones, and wash your hands and utensils after handling raw eggs. Then you can enjoy your breakfast taco without worries.

Why do we refrigerate eggs anyway? It’s mostly an American thing. In many countries, eggs are sold unrefrigerated and kept on the counter. But here’s the deal: before they hit store shelves, eggs are washed. Washing removes a natural protective coating that helps eggs last longer at room temperature. Unwashed farm eggs can sit out for 1-2 weeks, but if you want to store them longer, refrigerate them unwashed—they’ll last for 4-5 weeks that way. Just remember not to wash them until you’re ready to use them.