Can You Eat Eggs Past Their Sell By Date?

Essential Highlights

• Understanding Egg Sell-By Dates: Learn the difference between sell-by, use-by, and expiration dates on eggs.
• Factors Affecting Egg Freshness: Discover how storing conditions and egg handling impact freshness past the sell-by date.
• Testing Egg Freshness at Home: Simple tests to check if your eggs are still good.
• Storing Eggs Safely: Best practices for storing eggs to maximize their freshness.
• Health Risks and Safety Precautions: Insights into potential risks and how to consume eggs safely.

Table of Contents

• Understanding Egg Sell-By Dates
• Factors Affecting Egg Freshness
• Testing Egg Freshness at Home
• Storing Eggs Safely
• Health Risks and Safety Precautions
• FAQ

Understanding Egg Sell-By Dates

Egg sell-by dates can be confusing. When you purchase eggs, you may notice a date on the carton. This is often a sell-by or pack date. Unlike other perishable items, the date on egg cartons isn’t necessarily an expiration date but rather a guideline for stores.

• Sell-By Date: This is the suggested date by which retailers should sell the eggs. Eggs are usually safe to eat for several weeks beyond this date if stored properly.
• Use-By Date: Indicates how long the eggs will remain at their best quality, not safety.
• Expiration Date: This is similar to the use-by date and more common in other countries outside the US.

Visit the Egg Safety Center for more information on how egg dates are regulated.

Factors Affecting Egg Freshness

Several factors contribute to how long eggs remain fresh beyond their sell-by date. It’s crucial to consider these to avoid foodborne illness and ensure quality.

• Temperature: Eggs should be kept in a consistent temperature, ideally in the main body of the refrigerator.
• Handling: Keeping eggs in their original carton protects them from absorbing refrigerator odors and flavors.
• Eggshell Integrity: Cracked eggs spoil faster. Always check for cracks before purchasing or using eggs.

For more details on keeping eggs fresh, check out these tips on egg storage.

Testing Egg Freshness at Home

Whether your eggs are still good can often be tested at home through simple methods.

• Water Test: Fill a bowl with water and place an egg in it.
  • Fresh eggs will sink to the bottom and lay flat on their sides.
  • If they stand upright but still touch the bottom, they are still good, but should be used quickly.
  • Bad eggs will float.
• Sniff Test: A quick smell test usually can determine if an egg has gone bad. A rotten egg will have a distinct sulfury odor.
• Visual Inspection: Crack the egg on a flat surface and examine it. A fresh egg will have a firm yolk and a thick white.

Reading more on egg freshness tests can provide additional reliable techniques.

Storing Eggs Safely

Proper storage is imperative for maintaining egg freshness. Here are some tips:

• Keep Eggs in Their Original Carton: This blocks odors from other foods and preserves moisture.
• Store Eggs in the Coldest Part of the Refrigerator: Not in the door, where temperatures fluctuate.
• Check the Temperature: Ensure your fridge is at or below 40°F (4°C).

You can find further guidance on egg storage from USDA guidelines.

Health Risks and Safety Precautions

While eggs past their sell-by date can still be safe, there are risks if they’ve been improperly stored or significantly past this date.

• Salmonella Risk: This is the most common danger with spoiled eggs. Cooking eggs thoroughly can help mitigate this risk.
• Store with Care: Never leave eggs unrefrigerated for more than two hours.
• Trust Your Senses: If an egg looks, smells, or tastes off, it’s better to err on the side of caution.

Visit Can You Eat for more insights on consuming foods past their sell-by date, including a dedicated article on eating eggs past their sell-by date.

FAQ

1. How long can you keep eggs in the fridge after the sell-by date?

Generally, eggs can be kept for 3-5 weeks beyond the sell-by date if refrigerated continuously.

2. Are eggs good if they float in water?

Eggs that float in water are considered spoilt and should not be consumed.

3. Can you freeze eggs to extend their shelf life?

Yes, eggs can be frozen. Crack them into a container, whisk (or separate yolks and whites), and store for up to a year.

4. What happens if you eat expired eggs?

Consumption of expired or spoiled eggs can lead to food poisoning. If the eggs seem off, discard them.

5. Can I eat an egg with a cracked shell?

It’s not recommended. Cracked shells increase the risk of bacterial contamination.

6. How can I tell if my eggs have gone bad without cracking them open?

Use the water test mentioned above, or assess their smell through their egg carton’s exterior.

7. Is it safe to eat hard-boiled eggs beyond the expiration date?

Only if they were boiled before the use-by date and stored in the fridge for no longer than a week afterward.