We’ve all been there – rummaging through the fridge for something to eat, only to find an egg that expired last week. Is it still safe to eat? With the internet flooded with conflicting reports and opinions, it’s hard to separate fact from fiction. In this article, we’ll investigate the truth about expired eggs – how long are they still safe to eat, and how can you tell if they’re no longer safe? Let’s find out!
1. Finding Out When Eggs Go Bad
Here are some tips to help you determine if an egg has gone bad:
- Look: Examine the shell for any signs of cracks or breaks. If there aren’t any, then you have a good chance that the egg is still safe to eat. Also, look for any discolorations on the shells. If the eggs have a green or grayish tint, they are not safe to consume.
- Smell: All eggs have a faint sulfur-like smell. If the egg smell has gotten stronger or unpleasant, then it’s not safe to eat.
To get an exact timeline of when an egg has gone bad, you need to check the expiration date on the carton of eggs. This date is an estimate of when the eggs should safely be eaten. The date should include a month and a year. If you don’t have any way to check the expiration date, the rule of thumb is that eggs remain fresh for up to 3-4 weeks after you purchase them.
eating-expired-eggs”>2. The Dangers of Eating Expired Eggs
Health Hazards
Eating expired eggs can lead to health issues including salmonella poisoning, listeriosis, and E.coli poisoning. This is because when eggs age, their shells become less rigid and bacteria can enter more easily. People who are vulnerable, such as infants, young children, pregnant women, and the elderly, should avoid eating expired eggs.
Cooked vs Raw
Cooking eggs until they reach a temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit kills the bacteria present in the egg. If the egg is already cooked and aged more than a few days, however, it should still be avoided. If the egg has been refrigerated it may still be okay to eat, but it may also be risky and should be discarded as a precaution. On the other hand, raw eggs, even cooked eggs, aged more than two days should be discarded.
Signs of bad eggs
You may be able to tell if an egg is bad even without cracking it open. Look for:
- discoloration in the egg white
- an intense smell
- the eggshell has a slimy or powdery feel
- the egg is cracked
If you find any of these signs, the egg is no longer safe to eat.
3. Calculating the Shelf Life of Eggs
Once eggs are past the date stamped on their carton, it’s important to know how to calculate their shelf life. Here are some tips to help you determine if expired eggs are safe or not.
- Jiggle or spin the egg to see if it is still viable: if the egg wobbles like a ball, it is fresh; if it spins easily it’s time to toss it out.
- Another option is to break the egg into a bowl or plate. A fresh egg will have a bright and round yellow yolk, thick white, and no odd smells. If the egg has a flat or watery yolk, an unpleasant odor, or any discoloration, it is no longer safe to eat.
Note: It is best to discard any eggs that float in the water. This is an indicator that the eggshell was porous or damaged in some way, and the egg isn’t safe to eat.
While this information is helpful, it is best to discard any eggs that are past their “sell by” stamp. While expired eggs may still be viable, it is always best to discard them to avoid any potential risk.
4. Practical Tips for Judging If Eggs are Still Good
1. Visual Inspection – One way to tell if a hen’s egg is still edible past its expiry date is by giving it a visual inspection. Look closely at the eggshell for any cracks. Cracks could indicate that the egg is no longer safe to eat. Squeeze the egg lightly: if it’s very hard or cracked, it’s likely no longer edible. If your egg looks fine, move to the next step.
2. Odor Test – On rare occasions, expired eggs may emit an odor when cracked open. This is a sign that the egg has gone bad. Put your nose to the crack of the egg and take a whiff: if you smell anything bad, the egg is no longer edible.
3. Float Test – A simple at-home test you can perform if you are unsure whether the egg is still edible is the float test. Fill a container full of cold water, and drop the egg in. If the egg sinks to the bottom, it’s still good to eat. If it floats, however, it should be thrown out, as this indicates that it is no longer edible.
4. Stick to the One Month Rule - If unopened, most eggs in average storage conditions are generally safe for up to one month past the expiry date (unless otherwise stated on the package). If the eggs are open, the outside temperature is very hot, or the eggs have been sitting out for more than two hours, it is best to discard them.
5. Final Thoughts on Eating Expired Eggs
What To Consider for Eating Expired Eggs
Eating expired eggs isn’t necessarily dangerous but it’s still important be aware of the potential risks. Before you decide to eat an expired egg you should check it carefully for any obvious signs of spoilage. They should still be solid, smell slightly of eggs, and have a milky white or yellow color. If it looks or smells unusual then discard it.
You should also think about how the egg was stored and how long ago it was purchased. If the egg was stored properly in a cool location and was only a few days expired then it might still be safe to eat. It’s also a good idea to consider how the egg will be cooked. Boiling any egg will generally make it safe to eat.
Finally, it’s important to remember that the shelf life of an egg varies and some eggs may expire sooner than others. It’s safest to buy fresh eggs and use them before their “use by” date.
- Carefully inspect the egg before eating it.
- Where and how the egg was stored.
- How it will be cooked.
- Shelf life of the egg.
- Buy fresh eggs and use them before their “use by” date.
It’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to eating expired eggs. Remember to check the date on the eggs before you crack them to ensure you’re eating them fresh. That way, you can have peace of mind and enjoy your egg dishes to the fullest.