PURPOSE: To perform a clean preservation by arranging a germicidal lamp near an egg shelf receiver and sterilizing bacteria existing on the surface of an egg with the ultraviolet ray of the lamp.

CONSTITUTION: A germicidal lamp 9 such as an ultraviolet ray lamp, etc., is arranged on an egg shelf 5. The lamp 9 receives electric power from a power source and generates an ultraviolet ray 10. When eggs 7, an egg shelf receiver 4 and the shelf 5 are irradiated, bacteria group 8 such as Penicillium, etc., adhered thereto is sterilized for a short time. For example, 80% of the bacteria group is reduced by irradiating for about 3min in the case of an output of 15W. On the contrary, if it is irradiated for an excessively long time, change of properties of the eggs 7, discoloring of a plastic component such as the receiver 4 occur. Accordingly, irradiating intensity and time are controlled. The periphery of the shelf 5 contaminated with the group 8 can be largely cleaned by arranging the lamp 9, and the eggs 7 can be preserved cleanly for a long period.