Pretty much just the title.
In: Biology
After there was a salmonella outbreak (in the 70s I think) the FDA in the US implemented rules that required the eggs to be washed thoroughly. This removed the contaminants that were carrying the salmonella but it also removes the naturally occurring protective coating that eggs have. This means that contaminants from the air and surfaces that the eggs touch can more easily pass through the shell and the grow if the eggs are at room temp. This means that the eggs need to be refrigerated to retard potential bacterial growth.
Most of Europe does not have the same washing rules and so the natural protective coating is still there and they can be stored relatively safely at room temp. Though they too will last longer if refrigerated.
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