Off The Record
Most People Just Randomly Buy Eggs Without Really Noticing This Detail
Is it possible to determine the age of the eggs by looking at the egg carton? What is the shelf life of eggs?
The following are responses to some of your frequently asked questions concerning eggs:
Is it possible to determine the age of the eggs by looking at the egg carton?
A pack-date calendar, often known as a Julian Date calendar, such as the one below, can be used to assess freshness.
The date of packaging is indicated by this three-digit code, which starts on January 1 as 001 and ends on December 31 as 365. The days of the year are represented by these numerals.
An egg carton labelled “032” for instance indicates that the eggs were packaged on February 1st.
After this date, fresh shell eggs can be kept in the refrigerator for four to five weeks in their cartons.
State rules in the areas where eggs are packed and/or sold apply to plants that are not subject to USDA inspection.
A pack date is required in most states. Get in touch with your state’s Department of Agriculture to learn more about the regulations pertaining to eggs.
How long is the shelf life of eggs that I buy at the grocery store?
Never buy eggs after the “Sell-By” or “EXP'” date printed on the carton.
Once the eggs arrive at home, store them in the refrigerator in their original carton and keep them in the coldest section—not the door.
Use eggs within three to five weeks following purchase for optimal quality.
Although the “sell-by” date will typically pass during that period, the eggs are still absolutely fine to use.
The federal government does not mandate the use of a “Sell-By” or “Expiration” (EXP) date; however, state laws pertaining to eggs may mandate their use.
There are state regulations prohibiting the use of “sell-by” dates for eggs.
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Is an egg that floats still fresh?
When an egg’s air cell has grown big enough to keep it buoyant, it can float in water.
Although the egg is ancient, it can still be completely safe to utilise.
Crack the egg into a bowl and check to see whether it looks strange or has an off smell before using or discarding.
When you crack open the shell of a rotten egg, it will smell bad whether it is raw or cooked.
How can I safely prepare eggs?
For the safety of eggs, both correct cooking and storage are essential.
Cook eggs fully so that the whites and yolks are solid, not runny.
Using a food thermometer, cook casseroles and other foods that contain eggs until the internal temperature reaches 160° F.
Eat no eggs that are undercooked or raw. Hard-cooked eggs should be consumed within a week and refrigerated (in their shells) within two hours of preparation.
Store them refrigerated in a fresh container rather than their original egg carton.
Sources used:
- A Carton of Eggs – A True Baker’s Dozen, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
- Food Product Dating, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)/Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)
- Shell Eggs from Farm to Table, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)/Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)
