Reuse egg carton: that's why it's not a good idea

You could reuse egg cartons for many handicrafts. This practical tip explains why the packaging of the nutritious food should be disposed of after the eggs have been bought and removed.

Reuse egg carton - not a good idea

Egg boxes are ideal to be used for handicrafts. You should not use the packaging for this, even if you would like to recycle it. The egg carton can be harmful to your health.

• The reason is the heavy contamination of the packaging. Direct contact with the eggs carries the risk of the packaging material becoming contaminated with Salmonella or other bacteria.
• The packaging of the eggs offers the bacteria on the egg the possibility of docking on the box and even multiplying.
• The German food hygiene regulation also speaks out against reusing the packaging.

Reusing egg boxes is not without danger

Eggs are not washed off with hot water either in the laying batteries or on the organic farm. Eggs are naturally protected around the lime shell.

• Coarse dirt is removed with a brush - often only mechanically. The brush in turn comes into contact with other, possibly bacterial-coated bowls, which increases the degree of contamination.
• The lime shell of the eggs invites germs and pathogens to settle in them. These are mostly found in the feces of the chickens. The direct contact with the packaging transfers the germs to the box.
• The pathogens most contained in the faeces are salmonella. Apart from high heat, these are quite resistant to washing and cleaning the eggs. So, of course, these germs can also be found in the box.
• You don't need to have any concerns about enjoying the eggs. The salmonella and other bacteria are eliminated by vigorous heating, i.e. cooking or baking.
• You cannot cook the carton of ice cream and therefore you cannot get rid of the germs. Therefore, you should not keep or reuse it.
• It is best to keep eggs in a dishwasher-safe box. Tip: Always wash your hands well after removing the eggs from the box.
• Even as a soundproof wall, the use is well worth considering. Tip: In this case of use, you should spray boxes with an airtight lacquer before sticking them on the walls.