Not sure what to do after eating expired eggs? Don’t panic just yet! Eating expired eggs won’t automatically make you sick, as most eggs are still edible two to three weeks after their expiration date. This article will tell you what you need to know about handling expired eggs and what you can do to minimize the risks.
1. It’s Okay – Don’t Panic!
Eat or Discard – Determine if it’s safe to eat the egg before taking any action. If the egg doesn’t smell unpleasant and is free of any visible discoloration or debris, it’s probably okay to eat. If the egg is discoloured, slimy, or has a funky odor, discard it immediately.
Look for the Dates - Check for expiration or ‘best-by’ dates on your egg carton. Typically, eggs are safe to eat. three to five weeks after purchase. Eggs past their sell-by attract a higher risk of salmonella. Note that cartons with cracked eggs should be discarded immediately.
Refrigerate Properly – It’s important to store eggs in the refrigerator and keep them at a temperature of 40°F or lower. Make sure the eggs are properly stored on the shelves and not on the door to ensure the coldest possible temperature.
Cook Thoroughly – If you decide to eat the egg, it’s important to cook it thoroughly. Both the egg white and yolk should be cooked thoroughly and not eaten runny. This helps reduce the risk of bacterial contamination.
- Be sure to discard eggs if they’re past the expiration date.
- Store eggs in the refrigerator at a temperature of 40°F or lower.
- Cook eggs thoroughly before consuming.
2. What Happens When You Eat Expired Eggs?
1. Assessing the Severity
The first thing to ask yourself when you eat something past its expiration date is how expired were the eggs. If they were just a day or two out of date then you’re probably not going to have to worry about far-reaching health consequences. But if you ate something significantly beyond its expiration date, then it’s probably a good idea to pay attention to how your body is feeling in the hours and days following the consumption.
2. Look Out for Food Poisoning Symptoms
If the eggs were significantly beyond the expiration date then you can expect to experience symptoms of food poisoning, like:
- Nausea
- Abdominal cramps
- Diarrhea
- Headaches
- Fever
If you are experiencing any of the above, then it’s best to take time off work, drink plenty of fluids and rest, and make a call to the doctor for advice.
3. Are There Long-Term Risks Involved?
Eating expired eggs can be a bit of a gamble and may come with some risks. As with any type of food, eating expired eggs can lead to food poisoning or other negative health effects. Here are some potential long-term risks associated with eating expired eggs:
- Allergic reactions: Eating expired eggs can cause a range of allergic reactions, from minor skin irritation to more serious reactions such as anaphylactic shock. If you’re allergic to eggs, it’s important to avoid eating expired eggs.
- Cholesterol: Eating expired eggs can increase your cholesterol levels, which is linked to heart disease. It’s important to be aware of the risk of eating expired eggs and modify your diet accordingly.
- Bacterial Contamination:Eating expired eggs can also lead to bacterial contamination, which can be serious if not treated. The risk of bacterial contamination increases with the age of the egg, so it’s important to be aware of the potential risks.
It’s important to note that these risks are unlikely, especially if the eggs were stored properly before they expired. However, it’s better to be safe than sorry and avoid eating expired eggs.
4. What to Do When You Eat Expired Eggs?
The good news is that if you’ve accidentally eaten expired eggs, most of the time it won’t be too serious. However, there are a few steps you should take to make sure you stay safe:
- Drink plenty of fluids. It’s normal to have an upset stomach after eating expired eggs, and fluids can help flush out your system.
- Don’t prepare any egg dishes. It’s best to avoid further contact with raw eggs to reduce the risk of becoming ill.
- Get checked out by a medical professional. Even if you don’t feel sick from the expired eggs, it’s best to have a doctor examine you. They can perform a series of tests to make sure you don’t have any issues.
- Avoid food for a few hours. After eating expired eggs, it’s best to wait a few hours before you have any other food. This allows your stomach to settle down.
- Monitor your condition over the next 24-48 hours. If you notice any symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or fever, contact your doctor and stop eating until you get checked out.
It’s usually nothing serious if you’ve eaten expired eggs. Taking these precautions can help reduce the risk of any potential problems.
5. How to Avoid Eating Expired Eggs in the Future?
If you’ve eaten expired eggs, don’t worry. As long as there are no visible signs of spoilage, you should be fine. But to make sure you never have to face this situation again, here are 5 tips to help you avoid eating eggs past their expiration date:
- Check the date: Make sure to check the ‘Sell By’, ‘Best Before’ or ‘Use By’ date on the carton. Eggs should always be used before the date indicated on the packaging.
- Keep stored properly: Store eggs in the carton in the refrigerator. Keep it in the coldest part of the refrigerator – not the door – to maintain the temperature.
- Check for signs of contamination: If the eggshells are cracked or dirty, discard them as they’re more likely to be contaminated with bacteria.
- Mark your calendar: Write the expiry date of the eggs on your calendar so you know when they’ll expire and you can use them before they go off.
- Toss them out: Improve food safety in your kitchen by discarding eggs that have been in the refrigerator for more than 3 weeks.
Following these easy tips can help ensure you never put yourself at risk of eating expired eggs again. Hopefully this article has given you a good idea of what to do if you accidentally eat expired eggs. With these tips, you can avoid any serious health repercussions and continue enjoying eggs as you did before! Now that you know what to do if you eat expired eggs, there’s no need to panic when it happens — keep calm and follow the guide!