Cracked eggs can be dangerous. Here's what you should know.

With the high price of eggs at the moment It can be discouraging to open a box at home and find that one or two eggs have broken. Whether it’s in transit, on the way back from the grocery store. Or from unknown reasons in the refrigerator.

U.S. egg production drops 4% in November This is because egg prices and bird flu cases continue to increase throughout the country. This is according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), as FOX Business reported this week.

But what can a broken egg do? Is all hope lost?

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Egg experts share some of their “omelets” on this topic.

“Basically. It depends on when the egg breaks,” Lisa Steele, author of “Fresh Eggs Daily” and backyard chicken expert in Maine, told Fox News Digital.

Eggs found broken in the store should not be used as they can be dangerous. (Istock)

Steele said she “Won’t use eggs that I find have cracks in the boxes I bought in the store,” because consumers don’t know how long they’ve been sitting there.

It is important to check eggs for cracks before purchasing.

The eggshell and membrane protect the egg from harmful bacteria such as salmonella.

during winter Eggs from backyard chicken coops are more easily cracked due to the cold temperatures.

“But what if you know you just accidentally cracked an egg? I will cook that one and call it delicious,” she said.

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during winter Eggs from backyard chicken coops crack more easily because of the cold temperatures, Steele told Fox News Digital.

For Steele personally She says she will use the egg she just accidentally broke. But if there is still intact membrane

Be sure to check eggs for cracks at the grocery store before purchasing. (Istock)

“That membrane protects (the egg) from bacteria,” she said.

“You just crack an egg into a small bowl. Then wrap with plastic or a lid. then use within two days Make sure to cook them to at least 160 degrees.”

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But if the membrane breaks Humans would not be safe to eat it, Steele said.

However, it is still good for the compost bin.

“The calcium in the bark is good for the soil,” she said.

The Department of Agriculture has shared similar guidance on its website.

“Bacteria can enter the egg through cracks in the shell. Don’t buy cracked eggs,” the USDA says.

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Eggs that break during the cooking process, such as hard boiling, are “safe,” the USDA says.

These cracked eggs don’t need to be thrown away.

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Additionally, “Remember that all eggs should be thoroughly cooked,” says the same source.

Although in the past eggs were not considered Eggs are considered a “health food,” but the FDA has now classified eggs as a “health food.” “Healthy, nutrient-dense foods,” according to the new proposed rules.