What is a leaker in terms of egg quality?

A leaker refers to an egg that has a break in either the shell or the membranes, which allows the contents of the egg to leak out. This condition significantly impacts the quality of the egg, as it can lead to contamination and spoilage because the protective barriers meant to keep the egg's contents safe are compromised. Leakers are often considered unsuitable for sale or consumption due to health risks associated with potential bacterial growth.

Others options are not accurate representations of what constitutes a leaker; for example, perfectly intact eggs or those that are simply old do not exhibit this specific defect, nor do they mark a concern regarding leakage. The key aspect of identifying a leaker revolves around the breach in the shell or membranes that leads to the exudation of egg contents.