Washing eggs removes any dirt or stains. In modern layer houses, eggs are gathered shortly after they’re laid and moved to automated washing equipment. Strict federal regulations specify the procedures and food-safe cleaning compounds that may be used. Today most eggs are cleaned in mechanical egg washers employing sprayers, brushes, detergent-sanitizers, rinsers and driers. Only clean eggs go to the market. In washing, the bloom is removed, so eggs are immediately refrigerated on the farm after washing to reduce growth of bacteria.

See also Processing