Introduction
It’s important to know how to tell if eggs are still good so that you can avoid foodborne illnesses caused by eating spoiled eggs. Eggs are considered “good” when they are safe to eat and have not gone bad. This means they are free from any signs of spoilage such as discoloration, strange odors, and cracked shells.
In this article, we’ll explore several methods for determining if eggs are still good, including checking the expiration date, examining the shells, looking for discoloration or unusual odors, feeling the eggs, and using the float test.
Checking the Expiration Date
The first step in determining if eggs are still good is to check the expiration date. Most cartons of eggs will have an expiration date printed on them, typically located near the top or bottom of the container. The expiration date is usually expressed in terms of “sell-by” or “use-by” dates.
It’s important to note that even if the expiration date has passed, the eggs may still be safe to eat. According to the USDA, “Eggs can be eaten four to five weeks after the sell-by date has passed.”1 However, it’s best to use your own judgment when it comes to determining if eggs have gone bad. If the expiry date has passed, you may want to perform additional tests to make sure the eggs are still good.
Examining the Shells
The next step in determining if eggs are still good is to examine the shells. You should look for any cracks or breaks in the shells, as these can indicate that the eggs are no longer safe to eat. You should also pay close attention to the color of the shells; if they appear to be discolored or abnormally dark, this could mean that the eggs are no longer good.
If you find any cracks or breaks in the shells, it’s best to discard the eggs immediately. According to the American Egg Board, “Cracks can allow bacteria to enter the egg and cause spoilage.”2 If you don’t see any cracks or breaks in the shells, but they appear to be unusually dark, you may want to perform the float test (discussed later in this article) before consuming the eggs.
Looking for Discoloration or Unusual Odors
Another way to tell if eggs are still good is to look for any signs of discoloration or unusual odors. If the eggs have a strong, unpleasant smell, or if they appear to be discolored in any way, this is usually a sign that the eggs have gone bad. You should also pay close attention to the whites and yolks of the eggs; if either one appears to be discolored or off-colored, this could indicate that the eggs are no longer safe to eat.
If the eggs pass the smell and color tests, you may want to move on to the next step: feeling the eggs. This will help you determine if the eggs are still good.
Feeling the Eggs
When feeling the eggs, you should pay close attention to the firmness of the shells. If the shells feel too soft or rubbery, this could mean that the eggs are no longer good. You should also pay attention to the texture of the whites and yolks; if they feel slimy or slippery, this is usually a sign that the eggs have gone bad.
If the eggs pass the firmness and texture tests, you may want to move on to the float test. This is an easy way to tell if eggs are still good.
Float Test
The float test is a simple method for determining if eggs are still good. To perform the float test, fill a bowl with cold water and then place the eggs in the water. If the eggs sink to the bottom and lie flat on their sides, they are still good. On the other hand, if the eggs float to the top, this usually indicates that the eggs are no longer good and should be discarded.
According to the American Egg Board, “The float test is based on the fact that as eggs age, air enters the shells and the eggs become less dense.”3 However, it’s important to note that some eggs may float even if they are still good. In this case, you may want to crack open the egg and examine the contents before consuming it.
Crack Open the Egg
If the eggs pass the float test, you may want to crack open the egg and examine the contents. You should look for any signs of spoilage such as discoloration, off-odors, and a runny consistency. If the egg appears to be discolored or off-smelling, it’s best to discard it. It’s also important to note that if the egg has a greenish-gray ring around the yolk, this is usually a sign that the egg has gone bad and should not be consumed.
If the egg passes all of these tests, it is safe to consume. However, it’s always best to use your own judgment when it comes to determining if eggs have gone bad.
Conclusion
In conclusion, knowing how to tell if eggs are still good is an important skill to have. By checking the expiration date, examining the shells, looking for discoloration or unusual odors, feeling the eggs, and using the float test, you can easily determine if eggs are still good. Remember to always use your own judgment when it comes to determining if eggs have gone bad, and discard any eggs that don’t pass the tests.
1 https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/food-safety-education/get-answers/food-safety-fact-sheets/egg-products-preparation/eggs-and-food-safety/ct_index
2 https://www.aeb.org/consumers/handling-storage
3 https://www.aeb.
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