In the European Union, the date shown on egg cartons is determined by common rules.
However, storage conditions can vary considerably between countries and can affect how long eggs remain fresh.
In some countries, eggs are commonly sold and stored at room temperature, while in others, they are typically kept refrigerated.
Eggs that are not kept cool generally have a shorter shelf life than eggs that have been consistently refrigerated.
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This means that the date on the carton should not always be the only factor used to determine whether an egg is still suitable to eat.
Check your eggs
Even when eggs have been stored in the refrigerator, it is still a good idea to check them before eating them.
Both appearance and smell can help when assessing an egg after cracking it open.
The yolk can provide one indication of freshness. If it remains firm and rounded, this can be taken into account when assessing whether the egg is still good.
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Smell is another important indicator. If the egg has a rotten or unpleasant smell, it should not be eaten.
The date does not tell the whole story
How eggs are stored can have a significant effect on how long they remain suitable to eat.
Eggs that have been consistently refrigerated may remain good beyond the date printed on the carton.
Under suitable storage conditions, refrigerated eggs can potentially remain edible for considerably longer than the date might suggest. However, storage practices and food safety recommendations differ between countries, so local guidance should also be taken into account.
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Eggs therefore do not necessarily need to be thrown away simply because the date on the carton has passed. Checking how they have been stored, as well as their appearance and smell, can help determine whether they are still suitable to eat.
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This article is made and published by Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk, who may have used AI in the preparation.