Question from Cindy

I just returned from my local farm market. The lady I buy eggs from said she rubs them with mineral oil to make them shiny and keep them from absorbing odors from the refrigerator. I said to her “isn’t mineral oil petroleum based?”. She said no, it’s very safe and she implied it’s a common practice to rub the eggs with mineral oil. I didn’t want to argue without more info, so I came home and goggled. Yes, eggs are washed with mineral oil, food grade of course, FDA approved.

Here’s a description from www.eggcartons.com – it explains why this is done:

The surface of an egg shell is covered with thousands of microscopic holes which makes it quite porous. A natural coating referred to as the ‘bloom’ helps seal the holes, preventing bacteria from entering. As the egg ages, the bloom is worn away, which allows moisture to slowly escape and air to enter, forming the ‘air cell’. Bacteria may also enter, and contamination may result. When eggs are washed to remove germs that may be on the surface the bloom is also removed, so a thin coating of oil is applied to take the place of the bloom. This works in the same way as the bloom, keeping the contents fresh for longer periods. The bloom also provides eggs with a natural luster or shine. Mineral oil not only protects your eggs as a sealant but it also restores the luster, the shine of the egg.

Food Grade Mineral Oil makes a great egg shell sealant. One method to preserve eggs is to warm the oil so it is as warm as your hands can work comfortably. To apply the oil, dip clean cloth in it and wipe the egg so that every bit of the shell has been coated. We carry a hand spray (see additional items) use of this hand spray makes coating eggs quickly and more efficiently. After coating the eggs place them (small side down) in egg cartons or egg trays and store in a cool place. The eggs should keep at least 6-8 months.

This food grade mineral oil is an odorless, tasteless, crystal clear, food grade white mineral oil. It meets or exceeds requirements of US FDA regulation 21 CFR 172.878 and CFR178.3620(a) for direct and indirect food contact. It meets or exceeds standards of the US Pharmacopoeia (USP) and the National Formulary (NF). It meets standards for approval as H1 and 3H lubricants for use in food processing plants under the jurisdiction of the USDA. This product is also Kosher approved. It is the lightest viscosity of mineral oil we offer. Great for use in Cosmetics, Health and Beauty, Bee Mite Control, and Many More Applications.

Debra – I eat a lot of eggs. Isn’t the mineral oil absorbed thru the shell into the egg itself? Should I be searching for eggs not washed and treated with mineral oil? Or am I over reacting?

Debra’s Answer

Yes, mineral oil is made from petroleum. There are apparently different grades of mineral oil with different levels of purity. Small producers such as your egg lady at the farmer’s market may or may not understand this. If she didn’t know mineral oil is made from petroleum, she may not know the difference between food grade mineral oil and the stuff you buy at the drug store.

In Guidelines for Certification of Organic Eggs and Meat Birds by Vermont Organic Farmers (VOF) Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont, I found the following:

To me, the above means that whatever you put on the shell of the egg will get into the egg. Chlorine (sodium hypochlorate) is allowed, but so are other substances, so we don’t know which is used unless we ask. So eggs may be chlorinated. Hydrogen peroxide would be fine. Sodium hydroxide is lye, not toxic, but caustic (an eat through skin). Sodium carbonate is washing soda (OK). Peracetic acid, in simple terms, is like a mix of vinegar and hydrogen peroxide, so that would be OK.

Note it says that mineral oil may NOT be used on eggs because it can permeate the shell. This, however, is only the regulation for this particular organic certification group in Vermont. I tried to find the national USDA standard for eggs, but couldn’t find them easily (readers, if you can find these, please post a link).

I would venture to say that non-organic eggs are most likely coated with mineral oil. Organic eggs probably are not. But it’s best to ask this question of your egg producer, and also what they wash the eggs with. Here’s where is IS a good idea to buy eggs at the farmer’s market, because you can ask the farmers directly. It’s OK with me if you want to print my response here and take it to that farmer who is putting mineral oil on her eggs. Does she sell them as “organic”? I don’t know how much mineral oil actually gets through the eggshell. I don’t think you’re overreacting. Obviously, these organic farmers think it is enough of an issue to not allow it. It’s considered a “food additive.”

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