In every country in the globe, eggs are a wholesome and delicious staple food. Although they are a cheap and healthy breakfast for many, the topic of whether you may eat outdated eggs still exists.
You could be unsure whether your eggs have gone bad if you’ve had a carton out on the counter or in the refrigerator for a few weeks. It’s true that keeping them in the refrigerator extends the “best by” date, but how can you tell if your eggs have passed their expiration date?
The age of your eggs can be determined in a few different ways. Here are a few of the warning signs:
a noxious odor. Avoid eating eggs if you notice a sulfurous smell emerging from them.
See if it has an expiration date. After a month, most items should be thrown away.
Look at your egg closely. You shouldn’t eat anything that is cracked, slimy, or has powdery residue since it contains a lot of bacteria.
jiggle the egg. Your egg might not be as fresh as it should be if it sounds like there is a lot of liquid swirling around. However, this does not imply that it has spoiled.
In the end, breaking open an egg to see if it’s rotten is the only surefire way to know if you may safely eat expired eggs. Of course, you shouldn’t eat it if it does end up spoiling. Foodborne diseases caused by Salmonella and other germs can have devastating consequences.
However, because of the ambiguity around egg storage and expiration dates, eggs that are technically “expired” may not actually be rotten and bacterially contaminated.
How long are eggs good for?
Compared to other perishable proteins like milk or meat, eggs have a shelf life of three to five weeks in the refrigerator. However, you can’t always tell how long your eggs have been in storage and how much longer they have left in them.
A hint for keeping your eggs fresher longer
When you get home, put them in the refrigerator because higher temperatures could hasten their spoilage.
Check the dates; some labels may have a “expiration” date, while others may have a “best by” date that is more of a suggestion. A pack date, which indicates how much time is left, can also be found.
3. Cook the eggs to a minimum internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit if you don’t know the date, even if they aren’t rotten. This will prevent you from getting a foodborne illness.
4. Skip the egg-washing step. Washing eggs really has the opposite effect from what most people believe it does; after washing, eggs are more likely to transfer bacteria from the exterior to the interior of the shell.
Test the water, step 5. Place the egg in a bowl filled with cold water; if it sinks, your egg is safe. If it floats, it might no longer be useful.
6. Perform the test for candied eggs. You can carry out this test using a small, focused source of light and a dark environment. The egg’s contents will become visible if you tilt the light source from left to right while holding it up to the egg. It can be spoilt if you notice a significant air pocket.
What to do if you consumed an old egg
The symptoms of an egg-based food disease, such as nausea, vomiting, headaches, and cramps, may be noticeable. You should be alright in a few days if you’re healthy, but people who are significantly younger, older, or who have compromised immune systems should seek medical attention.
You can develop a rash, a runny nose, itchy skin, or wheezing if you had eggs that had mold on them. Water, ginger ale, and sports drinks that can restore your electrolytes should all be consumed to stay hydrated.
Who should stay away from old eggs?
Children under the age of five, seniors, and people with impaired immune systems are all more likely to develop Salmonella and other food-borne diseases. If you’re more vulnerable, think about purchasing pasteurized eggs. Warm water is used to heat pasteurized eggs, killing any bacteria on the exterior of the shell without boiling the egg inside. Additionally, using these eggs in recipes that call for raw eggs, like hollandaise sauce or caesar dressing, is safer.
In the end, trust your instinct; if something tastes or smells strange, it’s best to toss the carton. However, one of the reasons we adore eggs is that they are long-lasting. If they have been there for a few weeks, don’t be concerned!
