Why does retail placement in the United States and Canada often group eggs near milk, cheese, and yogurt?
Answer
Both products require continuous refrigeration for safety and freshness
The primary driver for placing eggs in the refrigerated dairy aisle in North America is logistical necessity rather than biological composition. This grouping occurs because both eggs (which are washed before sale in these regions) and dairy products require continuous refrigeration to maintain safety and freshness. This physical proximity creates a passive association for consumers, leading many to mistakenly assume eggs are dairy, even though the taxonomic definition proves otherwise. This merchandising decision overrides the scientific classification for the casual shopper.

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