How Do Hard Boiled Eggs Keep Unrefrigerated?

Hard-boiled eggs should be treated like any other cooked food when it comes to safety. Cook them properly and refrigerate the ones you don't eat promptly to avoid getting a food-borne illness.

Cooking

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration's food safety guidelines recommend cooking all eggs until the yolks and whites are firm. That's about 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the egg's size.

Storage

Boiled eggs, like any other cooked egg, should be refrigerated within two hours after cooking, the FDA says. Shorten that time to 30 to 45 minutes if it's 85 degrees F or hotter.

Shelf Life

Hard-boiled eggs can stay in the refrigerator for up to a week. This rule applies to hard-boiled eggs both in the shell and peeled.

Considerations

Look for raw eggs without cracked shells to minimize the chance that bacteria has already entered them. The Egg Safety Center says to boil raw eggs before their expiration date or within four to five weeks of their packing date, whichever appears on the carton.

Warning

Failing to follow food safety guidelines for hard-boiled eggs puts you at risk of getting a food-borne illness caused by bacteria. Children, the elderly and people with compromised immune systems are especially vulnerable.

References

• FDA Food Safety
• Egg Safety Center

Resources

• American Egg Board