why do some eggs need to be refrigerated and some don’t?

Question

I’ve been curious after seeing non-refrigerated eggs in Japan

In: 2

Answer 1

In the US eggs get washed before sale. This removes the natural protective layer and these eggs now need to be kept refrigerated to stay safe.

In most other countries eggs are not washed and as such can be kept for an extended period of time without refrigeration. The negative is that your eggs are not clean and you have to wash them yourself before use.