How does humidity affect egg storage in poultry?

Increased humidity during egg storage plays an important role in maintaining the quality and freshness of eggs. When humidity levels are appropriate, it helps to prevent moisture loss from the eggs, which can lead to spoilage. Eggs are composed largely of water, and when they are stored in an environment with low humidity, they can lose moisture through their porous shell. This dehydration can result in a variety of quality issues like the air cell inside the egg becoming larger, which affects the overall texture and flavor. Adequate humidity helps in reducing the rate of moisture loss and can also minimize the risk of microbial contamination, thereby prolonging the shelf life of the eggs and maintaining their quality.

Other options imply that decreased humidity or no effect from humidity could be beneficial, which is not the case when it comes to preserving egg freshness. Similarly, suggesting that too high humidity is preferable overlooks the potential negative impacts of excessive moisture, such as promoting mold growth or causing eggs to absorb unwelcome odors. Therefore, the statement that increased humidity helps prevent spoilage is the correct interpretation concerning egg storage.