Do Eggs Expire? (Know It All)
Eggs can be safely consumed well past their “expiration” date if they are properly stored. Eggs should be stored in the refrigerator, in their original carton, and placed in the coldest part. Eggs can be stored in this way for three to five weeks. After that, they should be used as soon as possible.
Before buying or consuming food products, it is normal for consumers to check the expiration date on the packaging. It is the main element in determining how fresh and viable food is.
The expiration date on eggs is significant because, after that time, Salmonella grows within, and eating them can result in severe food poisoning. Fortunately, various laws are in place to stop this terrible incident from happening.
Nearly 300 eggs are consumed annually by the average American. They are a common ingredient in almost every household, whether purchased to hard boil or add to a recipe.
Continue reading to find out how long beyond the expiration date you may still consume eggs.
So, are eggs still usable after their expiration date?
This quick response is, “sure, you can.” They should still be acceptable to consume if you’ve had a carton in your refrigerator for a few weeks, especially if stored properly. However, poor handling of eggs may result in the presence of hazardous bacteria, making the distinction between ruined and expired eggs crucial.
Do eggs that are refrigerated go bad?
If kept in a refrigerator, eggs typically last three to five weeks. To track how long you’ve had your carton, it’s helpful to refer to the date on the carton. After five weeks, eggs may deteriorate, lose flavor and color, and change their texture.
We have three recommendations for preserving the freshness and longevity of your eggs.
Ensure that your eggs are stored appropriately.
Egg baskets or other containers can temporarily store eggs on the counter. They must be maintained at a constant room temperature, though. Temperature changes have the potential to damage eggs or hasten the deterioration of their quality.
- The most excellent option for storage is typically a refrigerator.
- Eggs stay the longest at roughly 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4-5 degrees Celsius).
- If possible, try to keep them out of the door, which is frequently the warmest place because it gets greater air exposure.
- Additionally, freezing is not advised because the contents could grow and harm the shell.
- Use your frozen eggs within a year if you decide to do so.
Determine whether your eggs have been washed.
Unexpectedly, after washing, eggs are more likely to transfer bacteria, such as Salmonella, from the exterior to the inside of the shell. Because of this, you should try to store your eggs in the refrigerator as soon as possible after washing them. Salmonella contamination is less likely at cooler temperatures.
Think about pasteurized eggs
Eggs are heated in warm water during the pasteurization process, killing bacteria on the shell’s exterior without affecting the interior contents.
This is ideal for anyone concerned about contracting a foodborne illness, such as children, pregnant women, older people, or people whose immune systems have been damaged. This is fantastic for recipes like mixed drinks that call for raw eggs!
What is the test for expired eggs?
Are you concerned that your egg has been ruined due to improper storage or because it has passed its best-before date?
Here are some methods for checking:
Smell: Are there any off-putting smells? Sulfur is a common component in the odor of rotten eggs, and it is frequently so potent that you can smell it through the shell.
Observe: Does the shell have any blemishes or slime on it? It is preferable to discard it if there are clear indications of discoloration in the body, yolk, or white. Gut reaction If you feel uneasy, it is preferable to skip the egg. “If in doubt, discard it.”
Test them by breaking open an egg on a flat plate. The white should appear thick, and if the egg is fresh, the yolk should be spherical, compact, and high up in the center. If not, the white will be pretty thin and widely spread, and the yolk will be relatively flat.
Check if the egg floats by submerging it in a glass of water. It is still fresh if it hits the ground and lies on its side. If the egg floats, throw it away. It is now ruined.
End Date for Eggs
The USDA mandates that egg manufacturers label their products with the production and expiry dates and the egg quality grade.
The day that egg producers cleaned, graded, and packaged a particular batch is known as the production date. Because the consumer can estimate the expiry date based on the production date, the number should be visible for everyone to view.
On the other hand, eggs are only safe to eat up until their expiration date. Egg manufacturers carry out a variety of tests to get a reasonably accurate expiration date.
According to USDA regulations, egg producers are not required to label their goods with an expiration date. However, if they want to include the expiration date, they should make it clear enough for customers to read.
How to Determine an Egg’s Expiration Date
The packaging of eggs is marked with several labels when they are delivered to retail outlets for sale.
USDA quality rating
- the eggs’ manufacturing date
- and the expiration date, albeit it’s not required.
The six-character number on the label of the eggs that come before “EXP,” “Best Before,” or “Sell By” indicates the expiration date.
This date marking varies depending on the producer’s intentions and isn’t an indication of how safe the eggs are but when they might go wrong. Most egg firms use the Julian date format to indicate their expiration dates. It represented the day when the hens laid their eggs.
A three-figure number called the Julian date counts the days in the year. For instance, “May 26th” will be “146” in the Julian format, corresponding to the 146th day of the year.
How long do eggs remain fresh before going bad?
The numerous techniques for preventing Salmonella contamination in eggs may be to blame for the shorter shelf life, which is the definition of perfect irony.
Egg washing erodes the barrier that stops Salmonella from contaminating the eggs. However, this problem can be fixed with adequate refrigeration.
Eggs can be stored for up to four or five weeks after production with adequate refrigeration. However, when frozen, they endure longer.
When examining eggs during post-sale-by dates, it is best to base your calculations on the production date rather than the predicted “sell-by” date for greater accuracy.
| Item | Room Temperature | Refrigerator | Freezer |
| In-shell egg, fresh | Less than 2 hours in the U.S., Australia, Japan, Sweden, or the Netherlands; 1–3 weeks in other countries | 4–5 weeks | Not recommended |
| Raw egg yolks | Less than 2 hours | 2–4 days | 1 year for best quality |
| Raw egg whites | Less than 2 hours | 2–4 days | 1 year for best quality |
| Hard-boiled egg | Less than 2 hours | 1 week | Not recommended |
How to Recognize Bad Eggs
For determining the quality of the egg, nothing beats a manual test.
Float testing
This well-known food trick tells you whether your eggs are safe to eat, but you don’t know whether they’re wrong.
The Test’s Meaning
An egg’s high yolk and flat, robust white are signs that it is still young. However, as the egg ages, air seeps through the shells and expands the air cells, giving them positive characteristics. Because it is airy, a light egg will float on top of the water, while a heavier egg will sink to the bottom.
Candling Technique
A technique called candling uses light to assess an egg’s quality. Egg producers typically carry out this process before selling eggs in stores.
To check the quality of the home, some unsubstantiated sources point to a direct light source. To try to observe the air space, point an egg in the direction of the flashlight.
Direct Visual Testing
Cracking an egg open and inspecting what’s inside to see how it looks and smells is the best way to determine its quality.
You’re lucky since the egg looks fantastic and smells fresh, so you may continue cooking.
Conclusion
- Nearly 300 eggs are consumed annually by the average American.
- They are a common ingredient in almost every household, whether purchased to hard boil or add to a recipe.
- Because producers and authorities consistently perform most of the work to avert an epidemic, determining the quality of eggs is simple.
- In dire circumstances, the USDA issues a recall.
- However, you can exercise caution by ensuring that the eggs you buy have not yet expired.