Not sure if your eggs are still good?
Here are a few ways to check.
Plus, learn what the “packing date” is and how best to store eggs.
Getty Images / Tanja Ivanova
But what about eggs?
So how can you tell when eggs are bad?
When in doubt, should you throw them out?
Neither will tell you exactly how old your eggs are.
After enough time has passed, the egg will have enough air inside to make it float.
Gently place your egg inside and see if it sinks or floats.
If it floats, it’s old and you may want to toss it.
But, the USDA’sFood Safety and Inspection Servicesays an old egg “may be perfectly safe to use.
If the egg sinks and stands up, then it’s not very fresh but still safe to eat.
If it sinks and falls to its side, then the egg is at its prime.
Can I Tell If an Egg Is Bad by Shaking It?
you’re free to also perform a shake test to see if your eggs are bad.
Hold an egg by your ear and shake it.
If you hear nothing, then many say your egg is OK, based on anecdotal evidence.
However, FSIS does not endorse this test for freshness, like they do the float test.
Your best bet is the float test or, even easier, cracking the egg open.
If the yolk or white has any discoloration, the egg is no good.
Discoloration is an indication of bacterial growth.
If your eggs look good but have an off or sulfuric smell to them, they are bad.
The thinner outer albumen should not spread too far from the inner albumen.
And there should be no off smells or colors.”
What If I Eat a Bad Egg?
Best to avoid eating a bad egg if possible.
Keep your eggs in the carton.
The carton protects and insulates the eggs from breaking and absorbing excess air.
And don’t leave your eggs out!
