Winton Eliott
Eggs are one of the most versatile and commonly consumed foods in the world. They’re an excellent source of protein and can be used in a variety of dishes, making them perfect for a quick meal at any time of day.
Eggs are also relatively inexpensive to produce, which makes them a budget-friendly option for many households. In addition, eggs are relatively shelf-stable, so they can be kept on hand for when you need them.
If you’ve ever found an old carton of eggs in the fridge, you probably wondered if they were still good.
What happens if I eat expired eggs?
Eating expired eggs can lead to food poisoning.
Expired eggs usually have a bad odor, change color, and may have shells that are cracked or bloated.
When an egg is exposed to oxygen, the iron in the yolk reacts with the oxygen to form a ferrous oxide, which causes the yolk to turn greenish-gray.
The egg white may also change color and become cloudy. If you eat an expired egg, you may experience:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
In severe cases, food poisoning can lead to death.
If you think you might have eaten an expired egg, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately.
Read also: What Happens if You Have Too Much Protein
How can I tell if an egg has gone bad?
If you’re not sure whether an egg has gone bad, there are a few simple ways to tell.
Check the expiration date on the carton.
One of the first things you should do when you select a carton of eggs at the store is to check the expiration date. This date is located on the side of the carton and indicates how long the eggs are safe to eat.
If the eggs are past this date, they may be spoiled.
Look for signs of spoilage.
If the eggs are past their expiration date, or if you’re not sure when they were purchased, it’s a good idea to check them for signs of spoilage before using them.
Here are a few things to look for:
- Bad odor: Spoiled eggs will usually have a distinct, unpleasant odor.
- Change in color: The egg yolk and egg white may change color and become greenish-gray or cloudy.
- Cracked or bloated shells: The eggshell may crack or be misshapen, and the egg may appear bloated.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to throw the eggs out.
Read also: What Happens When You Eat Mold
How long are eggs good after use by date?
If you store your eggs properly, they should be safe to eat for 3–5 weeks after the used-by date. Eggs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks after being purchased.
However, if you store them in the coldest part of the fridge, they will last even longer.
If you’re not sure how long your eggs have been stored, it’s best to err on the side of caution and throw them out.
You can tell if an egg has gone bad by doing a float test. Simply place the egg in a bowl of water. If it sinks to the bottom, it’s still good. If it floats to the top, it’s time to toss it.
Finally, remember that eggs are perishable food, so even if they pass the float test, they may not be as fresh as you’d like. Use your best judgment when deciding whether to eat them.
Read also: What Happens If You Eat Raw Chicken
How can I extend the shelf life of my eggs?
There are a few simple things you can do to extend the shelf life of your eggs and keep them fresh for as long as possible:
Store them in the fridge
In order to ensure that your eggs are fresh and safe to eat, it is important to store them properly. Eggs should be stored in the coldest part of the refrigerator, such as the back of the refrigerator or in the egg compartment.
If eggs are stored at too warm of a temperature, they can spoil quickly. Storing eggs in the fridge helps to keep them fresh and prevents bacteria from growing on the eggshells.
Keep them in their carton
In order to keep them fresh and prevent them from being cracked or broken, it is important to store them in their carton. This helps to protect the eggs and also prevents them from absorbing any odors from other foods in the fridge.
Don’t wash them until you’re ready to use them
Washing your eggs before you store them can actually shorten their shelf life. Eggs have a natural protective layer called the “bloom” that helps to keep them fresh.
When you wash eggs, this bloom is removed and bacteria can more easily penetrate the eggshell. For this reason, it is best to wait to wash your eggs until you’re ready to use them.
With these simple tips, you can help to ensure that your eggs are fresh and safe to eat.
Read also: What Happens if You Swallow Gum
Final words
While it is generally not recommended to eat expired eggs, there are some instances where it may be safe to do so.
If the eggs are only a few days past the expiration date and have been properly refrigerated, they should be safe to eat.
Additionally, if the eggs show no signs of damage or spoilage, it is likely that they are still safe to consume.
However, if the eggs are significantly expired or show signs of being cracked or dirty, it is best to avoid eating them as they may contain harmful bacteria.
Ultimately, it is up to the individual to decide whether or not to eat expired eggs; however, it is always best to err on the side of caution.
