Essential Points
• Eggs that have been chilled at 40°F or lower are okay to consume even after the “best by” date listed on the packaging.
• Typically, eggs remain good for three to five weeks once you’ve stored them in the fridge.
• Throw away any eggs that are cracked or emit a foul smell.
In our home, we have an unpredictable relationship with eggs—sometimes we finish a dozen quickly, and other times they sit untouched in the fridge for ages. This often leads us to question the safety of using eggs beyond their expiration date.
As per the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), eggs usually arrive on grocery shelves just days after being laid. While they do have a printed expiration or “best by” date, they often remain suitable for consumption beyond that date, although there are some caveats. Here’s what I’ve learned.
Understanding Egg Carton Labels
Egg cartons are typically marked with a use-by or sell-by date along with a series of numbers.
Pack date: This is represented by a three-digit code, ranging from 001 to 365, indicating the day of the year the eggs were packaged, with January 1 as 001 and December 31 as 365.
Sell-by date: For USDA-grade eggs, this date must be no more than 30 days after the packaging date. It serves as an expiration guide.
Best before date: Often termed as “use by,” this date is set to signal when the quality may start to decline, not necessarily when the food becomes unsafe. For USDA-grade eggs, this date should be within 45 days of the packaging date.
Are Eggs Past Their Expiration Date Safe?
Jacob Tuell, an assistant professor of animal science/food science at Northwest Missouri State University and a member of the muscle foods division at the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), explains, “Sell-by, use-by, and other code dates are indicators of food quality, rather than food safety. Provided that the eggs have been stored correctly, they should still be safe to eat.”
Eggs should be refrigerated immediately after purchase and kept in their original carton in the coldest part of the fridge, as recommended by the USDA. If stored at or below 40°F, eggs can typically last three to five weeks from the date they are placed in the refrigerator.
When handling eggs, whether bringing them home from the store or preparing them for cooking, avoid letting them sit out at room temperature for more than two hours. An egg that gets too warm can begin to “sweat,” creating an environment conducive to bacterial growth.
How to Determine if an Egg is Spoiled
As an egg ages, the air pocket inside its larger end grows due to air penetration and moisture loss. This is why some people perform a float test: a fresh egg will sink in water, whereas an older egg may float because of the increased air inside.
“Upon cracking, an older egg’s yolk might appear flat and the white may spread out more,” Tuell points out. “The egg whites of fresh eggs usually look cloudy, but they become more translucent over time.”
Even if an egg floats or shows changes in the appearance of the yolk and whites, it might still be safe to eat. However, performing a smell test and inspecting the shell for cracks is crucial. “An egg is considered spoiled if it develops an off-odor. Also, cracks in the shell can allow bacteria to enter, which may lead to spoilage or foodborne illnesses,” Tuell adds.
The Final Verdict
If eggs have been properly stored at a temperature of 40°F or below, they are generally safe to eat after the expiration date—usually for up to three to five weeks from when you store them in the fridge. However, if you’re unsure, it’s better to err on the side of caution and compost the eggs instead of consuming them.
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Riley Morgan simplifies health and wellness topics, providing readers with practical advice and insights. Dedicated to empowering others, Riley covers everything from mental health to medical breakthroughs.
