How Long Are Eggs Good After Best By Date?

Understanding Egg Dating Labels

Egg dating labels can be confusing, and it’s important to understand what they mean to determine how long your eggs are good after the “best by” date. The most common types of egg dating labels include “sell by,” “use by,” and “expiration date.”

“Sell by” dates are intended for retailers and indicate the date by which the eggs should be sold. However, eggs can still be safely consumed for a period of time after the sell by date has passed.

“Use by” dates are intended for consumers and indicate the date by which the eggs should be used for best quality and freshness. Eggs can typically still be consumed for a short period of time after the use by date has passed, but their quality may have started to decline.

“Expiration dates” are less commonly used, but indicate the date after which the eggs should not be consumed for safety reasons. It’s important to note that consuming expired eggs can increase the risk of foodborne illness.

Factors Affecting Egg Freshness

Several factors can affect the freshness of eggs, including:

• Storage temperature: Eggs should be stored in the refrigerator at a temperature between 33 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit (0.5 and 4 degrees Celsius) to maintain their freshness.

• Age of the egg: As eggs age, their quality and freshness decline. Fresh eggs will have a firmer white and a higher yolk that sits up taller.

• Cleanliness: Eggs should be handled and stored in a clean environment to prevent contamination by bacteria and other harmful substances.

• Packaging: Eggs should be kept in their original carton, which helps to protect them from damage and contamination.

• Humidity: Eggs should be stored in a relatively dry environment, as excess moisture can cause them to spoil more quickly.

By taking these factors into account, you can help ensure that your eggs stay fresh for as long as possible.

How to Perform an Egg Freshness Test

If you’re not sure whether your eggs are still fresh, there’s a simple test you can perform to check their freshness. Here’s how to do it:

• Fill a bowl with cold water and gently place the egg in the water.

• If the egg sinks to the bottom and lays flat on its side, it is very fresh.

• If the egg sinks to the bottom but stands up on one end, it is still fresh, but not quite as fresh as an egg that lays flat.

• If the egg floats to the top, it is no longer fresh and should be discarded.

This test works because as eggs age, the air cell inside them grows larger, causing the egg to become less dense and float. By checking whether an egg sinks or floats, you can get a good sense of its freshness.

Safe Practices for Handling and Storing Eggs

To ensure the safety and freshness of your eggs, it’s important to follow these safe handling and storage practices:

• Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water before and after handling eggs.

• Store eggs in their original carton in the refrigerator, rather than in the door, where temperatures can fluctuate more.

• Use eggs within 3 to 5 weeks of purchase, or within 1 week after the “sell by” or “expiration” date.

• Keep eggs away from other foods, especially those that are ready-to-eat, to avoid cross-contamination.

• Cook eggs thoroughly to an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71 degrees Celsius) to kill any harmful bacteria that may be present.

By following these practices, you can help prevent the risk of foodborne illness and ensure that your eggs stay fresh and delicious.

Tips for Reducing Egg Waste at Home

If you frequently find yourself throwing away eggs that have gone bad, there are several strategies you can use to reduce egg waste at home. Here are a few tips:

• Purchase only the number of eggs you need, rather than buying in bulk.

• Use older eggs for hard-boiled eggs or baked goods, which don’t require the freshest eggs.

• Freeze extra egg whites or yolks in an airtight container for later use.

• Consider purchasing pasteurized eggs, which have a longer shelf life and are less likely to harbor harmful bacteria.

• Make sure to properly label and date your eggs to avoid confusion and ensure that you use them in a timely manner.

By implementing these strategies, you can help reduce egg waste and save money on groceries, while still enjoying the delicious and nutritious benefits of this versatile food.