How Long Do Eggs Really Last? Unveiling the Truth Behind Expiration Dates

Inexpensive, adaptable, and containing six grams of protein along with 13 vital nutrients, Eggs offer a healthy means to begin your morning. —and it’s not a bad way to conclude things either! With numerous ways to cook eggs , they serve as a simple way to boost your protein intake .

Given the steep cost and rarity of eggs these days, you might be pondering: How long do they really endure? If you're living solo or part of a small family, a carton of eggs could end up taking more time than anticipated to finish off in your refrigerator. In contrast with numerous prepackaged goods, newly laid eggs enjoy only a brief period during which they remain at their prime condition. Below are some guidelines from food safety specialists regarding the duration for which eggs can maintain freshness along with optimal storage techniques.

For how long can eggs be kept fresh?

Despite the fact that eggs have a printed label "sell by" or "best before" date They might still be safe to consume after that date if they've been stored properly.

If you keep your eggs at the suggested temperature of 40°F or below , the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advises using them within three weeks Of purchase. As stated in the document, Egg Safety Center Eggs might remain safe for consumption up to five weeks after they were packed when kept refrigerated appropriately. However, pathogens such as Salmonella and E. coli can accumulate gradually—therefore, if you have doubts about an egg’s freshness, it's safer to throw away older ones to prevent potential food poisoning.

Frozen eggs have a shelf life of up to one year. However, they should never be frozen within their shells. If you intend to freeze eggs, mix the yolks and whites together beforehand, or alternatively, freeze only the egg whites separately and keep them in an airtight container.

For leftover meals containing eggs The FDA suggests keeping them in the refrigerator and using them within three to four days. Hard-boiled eggs have a shelf life of about one week when stored in the fridge.

What signs indicate whether your eggs are spoiled?

Rely on your intuition—if something seems unusual about an egg in terms of appearance or smell, it's better to discard it. Keep these important indicators in mind:

• Smell test: If an egg smells rotten or sulfurous, whether inside the shell or once you crack it open, avoid eating it.
• Shell inspection A shell that appears slimy or cracked might suggest bacterial contamination, whereas a dusty look could be an indication of mold presence.
• Check the inside When you break the egg, check for any pink, blue, green, or black spots because these hues might signal bacterial proliferation.

Remember that eggs infected with Salmonella might appear and scent typical, so always verify the “sell by” or expiry date on the container to make sure they are still good.

What’s the most effective method for storing eggs?

Correct storage is essential for maintaining the freshness and safety of eggs. Keep them towards the rear part of the middle shelf inside your refrigerator instead of placing them on the door. The items kept on the door experience varying temperatures, whereas the center area of the fridge remains more consistently cool, which aids in prolonging egg freshness.

Moreover, refrain from putting broken eggs back into the storage container for any reason, as this might lead to bacterial growth. Rather, dispose of the shells right away to minimize the chance of contamination.