Safety Guide
Egg Storage & Food Safety
Everything you need to know about storing eggs safely, checking freshness, understanding dates on cartons, and preventing foodborne illness. Based on USDA food safety guidelines.
Storage Times at a Glance
| Egg Type | Refrigerator (40°F / 4°C) | Freezer (0°F / -18°C) |
|---|---|---|
| Raw eggs, in shell | 3-5 weeks | Do not freeze in shell |
| Raw egg whites | 2-4 days | Up to 12 months |
| Raw egg yolks | 2-4 days | Up to 12 months |
| Hard-boiled eggs, in shell | Up to 1 week | Not recommended |
| Hard-boiled eggs, peeled | Use same day | Not recommended |
| Egg dishes (quiche, casserole) | 3-4 days | 2-3 months |
Source: USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)
The Water Float Test
The simplest way to check egg freshness at home:
- Fill a bowl with cold water deep enough to fully submerge an egg.
- Gently place the egg in the water.
- Observe the result:
- Sinks and lays flat on its side: Very fresh (laid within the last week)
- Sinks but stands upright: Still good, 1-3 weeks old. Use soon.
- Floats to the surface: Old. The air cell inside has grown too large. Discard.
Why it works: As eggs age, moisture evaporates through the porous shell and is replaced by air. The larger the internal air cell, the more buoyant the egg becomes.
Salmonella Prevention
About 1 in 20,000 eggs may contain Salmonella enteritidis bacteria. While the risk is low, following these guidelines eliminates it:
- Cook eggs to 160°F (71°C): This temperature kills Salmonella. For hard-boiled eggs, the water temperature exceeds this.
- Don't eat raw eggs: Avoid homemade mayonnaise, Caesar dressing, raw cookie dough, or any recipe with raw eggs unless using pasteurized eggs.
- Refrigerate promptly: Don't leave eggs or egg dishes at room temperature for more than 2 hours (1 hour if ambient temperature exceeds 90°F/32°C).
- Wash hands: After handling raw eggs, wash hands, utensils, and surfaces with soap and water.
- Buy refrigerated eggs: In the US, always buy eggs from the refrigerated section. Check that shells are clean and uncracked.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do eggs last in the fridge?
Raw eggs in their shell last 3-5 weeks in the refrigerator from the date of purchase (or about 4-5 weeks from the pack date on the carton). Hard-boiled eggs last up to 1 week in the fridge. Always store eggs in the main body of the refrigerator, not the door.
How can I tell if an egg is bad?
The water test is the most reliable method: place the egg in a bowl of cold water. Fresh eggs sink and lay flat. Eggs that are 1-2 weeks old will tilt slightly. Eggs that float are old and should be discarded. You can also crack the egg onto a plate — a bad egg will have a sulfur smell, discolored yolk, or watery white.
Should eggs be stored in the fridge or at room temperature?
In the United States, eggs must be refrigerated because they are washed before sale, which removes the natural protective cuticle (bloom). In many European countries, eggs are not washed and can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 weeks. Once refrigerated, always keep eggs refrigerated.
Can you eat eggs past the expiration date?
The "sell by" date is not an expiration date. Eggs are often safe to eat for 2-3 weeks beyond the sell-by date if properly refrigerated. Use the water float test to check freshness. When in doubt, crack the egg onto a plate and check for smell and appearance before cooking.
Sources: USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) · FDA Egg Safety Rule (21 CFR Part 118) · CDC Salmonella Prevention Guidelines