Can You Eat Eggs Past Best Before Date?

Eggs are a nutritious staple in many kitchens, but the dates on their cartons often cause confusion. Is it truly safe to eat eggs past their best before date? Understanding the facts can help you make informed decisions, reduce food waste, and keep your meals safe and delicious.

In a Nutshell

Eggs are often still safe to eat past their best before date if stored correctly and showing no signs of spoilage.
Check eggs for freshness by appearance, smell, and a simple float test.
Risks of foodborne illness increase the longer eggs are kept after their best before date—thorough cooking is recommended.
Vulnerable groups (elderly, pregnant, immunocompromised) should exercise extra caution.
Always discard eggs with cracks, odd smells, or unusual appearances.

<a href="#section-1">What Does the "Best Before" Date Mean?</a>
<a href="#section-2">How Long Are Eggs Safe to Eat?</a>
<a href="#section-3">How to Tell If an Egg Is Still Good</a>
<a href="#section-4">Risks and Safety Considerations</a>
<a href="#section-5">Egg Safety Tips and Storage Best Practices</a>
<a href="#section-6">Reducing Food Waste: When to Use or Lose Eggs</a>
<a href="#section-7">FAQ: Your Top Questions Answered</a>

What Does the “Best Before” Date Mean?

The ‘best before’ date on egg cartons is about quality, not strict safety.

This date—often set no more than 28 days after the egg is laid in the UK and EU—signals when eggs are expected to taste their best[1][5][7]. If properly stored, eggs can remain safe to eat for days or even weeks past this date, though their flavour, texture, and appearance may start to decline[1][4].

Best before ≠ expiration: Unlike “use by” dates, eggs can sometimes be consumed after this if they pass safety checks.
Date accuracy relies on storage conditions: Only eggs kept appropriately in the fridge should be considered for use past their best before date[1][4].

For a deeper dive into date labels, visit Can You Eat Eggs Past Best Before Date.

How Long Are Eggs Safe to Eat?

Eggs, when refrigerated promptly after purchase, typically stay fresh for up to 3-5 weeks from the day they enter your fridge—even if their best before date has passed[4][7].

USDA guidance: Eggs are often safe for several weeks after purchase, provided they’re chilled and handled properly[4].
British Lion Code & other quality marks: Eggs with safety certifications reduce the risk of contamination, making it safer for all—including pregnant women and children—to eat soft-cooked or even raw eggs, provided they’re in-date or just a few days past[2][5].

How to Tell If an Egg Is Still Good

Don’t just rely on the date—use your senses and simple tests.

Visual inspection: Discard any eggs with cracks or a powdery or slimy shell.
Smell test: A rotten egg smell is unmistakable; if in doubt, throw it out[1][4][7].
Float test: Submerge the egg in cold water:
- Sinks and lies flat: Still fresh.
- Sinks, stands upright: Still okay but use soon.
- Floats: Old—best to discard[1][4].
Internal appearance: Unusual colours in the white or yolk can signal spoilage.

For more on testing food safety at home, see How to Tell if Eggs are Good.

Risks and Safety Considerations

As eggs age, the risk of foodborne illness, especially from salmonella, rises—particularly if eggs are undercooked or raw[1][2][4].

Thorough cooking reduces risk: Cooking eggs until both yolks and whites are firm can kill most bacteria[1][4].
“Vulnerable” groups: The elderly, pregnant, young children, and those with weakened immune systems should be more cautious[2][5].
Egg source matters: Eggs certified by the British Lion Code or similar schemes have a much lower risk profile[2][5].

Visit NHS guidance on egg safety for authoritative advice.

Egg Safety Tips and Storage Best Practices

Proper storage and handling are crucial to keeping eggs safe:

Store eggs in the fridge as soon as possible after purchase—preferably in their original carton[1][4].
Keep temperature steady; avoid moving eggs in and out of the fridge[1].
Don’t wash eggs before storing; this removes a protective layer and increases risk of contamination[1].
Use cracked or dirty eggs only in recipes where they will be fully cooked, or discard them altogether[1].

For more on safe food storage, visit Food Standards Scotland – Egg Safety.

Reducing Food Waste: When to Use or Lose Eggs

Eggs are frequently discarded unnecessarily.

If your eggs are past their best before date but show no signs of spoilage, use them in cooked dishes like cakes, quiches, or casseroles where they reach high temperatures[1][4].
When in doubt, throw it out. Never take a chance with eggs that look, smell, or feel “off.”

For a more sustainable approach to food safety, check Can You Eat? for tips and advice on reducing waste without risking your health.

FAQ: Your Top Questions Answered

1. Can I eat eggs a week after their best before date?
Yes, if the eggs have been refrigerated, show no signs of spoilage, and pass the float and smell tests, they’re often safe to eat a week (and sometimes more) past the best before date[1][4].

2. Is it safe to eat eggs that float in water?
No. If an egg floats, it’s probably old and may not be safe to eat[1][4][7]. Discard it.

3. What if my eggs smell fine, but the yolk or white looks strange?
Any unusual colours or appearances (pale, green, pink, or cloudy whites/yolks) suggest spoilage. It’s safest to throw these eggs out[1][4].

4. Can I eat eggs raw or soft-cooked after their best before date?
It’s best to avoid consuming raw or lightly cooked eggs past their best before date, especially for vulnerable groups. If you must, only use eggs with trusted safety certifications and always check for spoilage[2][5].

5. Are older eggs okay for baking?
Yes, as long as they pass freshness checks, older eggs are typically fine for baked recipes where thorough cooking will occur[1][4].

6. Does washing eggs before storage make them safer?
No. Washing eggs before storage can increase the risk of bacterial contamination by removing their protective cuticle[1].

7. What’s the difference between “best before,” “sell by,” and “use by” on egg cartons?
– Best before: Indicates peak quality, not safety.
– Sell by: Date for stores to sell the eggs; eggs are usually still good for weeks after.
– Use by: Indicates the last recommended date for use while at peak quality; rarely used on eggs in the UK/EU.

For further egg safety insights and practical advice, visit Can You Eat Eggs Past Best Before Date and browse Can You Eat? for guidance on other foods.

External Authority Links:

Want to know more about safe eating and food advice? Visit CanYouEat.co.uk!

Can You Eat Eggs Past Best Before Date