Egg cartons can be confusing because they often contain several dates and numbers. The three-digit code found on many<\/p>\n\n\n\n
U.S. cartons is usually a\u00a0pack date, not an expiration date. It tells you which day of the year the eggs were processed and packaged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The code uses numbers from 001 to 365, with 001 representing January 1. For example,\u00a0032 means February 1,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
while\u00a0198 means July 17\u00a0in a non-leap year. This code can help you compare cartons and use older eggs first, but it does not by itself determine whether an egg is safe to eat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You may also see a code beginning with\u00a0\u201cP.\u201d\u00a0This identifies the processing or grading facility. Other labels, including \u201cSell By,\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBest By,\u201d and \u201cBest Before,\u201d have different purposes. A sell-by date mainly helps stores manage inventory, while best-by dates are generally related to quality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Proper refrigeration is important for both freshness and safety. USDA guidance says raw shell eggs generally keep for<\/p>\n\n\n\n
about\u00a0three to five weeks\u00a0when refrigerated. Eggs should be kept at\u00a040\u00b0F (4\u00b0C) or below, preferably on an interior refrigerator shelf and in their original carton.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Freshness and safety are not the same thing. An egg can appear and smell normal while still carrying harmful bacteria such as\u00a0Salmonella<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That is why the popular\u00a0water float test cannot prove whether an egg is safe. Floating generally means the egg has developed a larger air cell as it ages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For safer handling, keep eggs refrigerated and avoid using shells that are cracked or heavily contaminated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Wash your hands, utensils, and surfaces after handling raw eggs to reduce the risk of cross-contamination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When cooking eggs, FDA guidance recommends cooking them until the\u00a0whites and yolks are firm. Cooked egg dishes<\/p>\n\n\n\n generally last about three to four days in the refrigerator, while hard-cooked eggs can keep for about one week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The main lesson is simple:\u00a0use carton codes as helpful information, but do not rely on them alone.\u00a0Keep eggs cold, protect the shells, prevent cross-contamination, cook them properly, and refrigerate leftovers<\/p>\n\n\n\n promptly. If an egg has been badly cracked, contaminated, or stored at unsafe temperatures for too long, it is safest to throw it away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Egg cartons can be confusing because they often contain several dates and numbers. The three-digit code found on many U.S. cartons is usually a\u00a0pack date, not an expiration date. It tells you which day of the year the eggs were processed and packaged. The code uses numbers from 001 to 365, with 001 representing January…<\/p>\n