This study aimed to develop appropriate temperature management practices and
provide scientific evidence to support the development of sell-by-date guidance
for eggs. Washed and unwashed eggs were subjected to storage under six different
scenarios, and both types of eggs were stored at temperatures up to 35°C
to evaluate the sell-by-date. Despite temperature fluctuations or continuous
storage at 30°C for 5 days, subsequent storage at 10°C resulted in
significantly higher Haugh unit and yolk index on day 15. These results indicate
that refrigerating eggs from retail sales until consumption is effective for egg
quality management, despite the exposure of up to 35°C during
distribution. In terms of sell-by-date evaluation, washed eggs retained class B
quality for an additional 37 days beyond the recommended sell-by-date at
15°C, which is above the regulated storage temperature. However, unwashed
eggs maintained class B quality for approximately 20 days at
30°C–35°C, emphasizing the need for sell-by-date guidelines
for unwashed eggs. This study is the first to provide appropriate egg-handling
practices based on the actual distribution environment in Korea.