Eggs are a source of nutrition and are rich in important nutrients like protein, vitamin B12, and choline. Most of the fat in eggs is unsaturated fat, which is good for the body and contributes to heart health. Also, according to the American Heart Association, healthy people can include eggs in a heart-healthy diet. The carotenoids found in eggs (called lutein) may be beneficial for eye health, especially with data suggesting that intake is associated with a reduced risk of macular degeneration.
But unlike many other foods, it’s hard to know when eggs have gone bad. Knowing if eggs are no longer safe to eat can be an important step in preventing foodborne illness.
Consuming spoiled eggs can cause food poisoning symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever. In severe cases, it can even lead to hospitalization or long-term health problems. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the signs of spoilage, such as odors, discoloration, or strange textures, to ensure that the food you consume is safe.
If handled and stored properly, eggs rarely spoil, but their quality can deteriorate over time. As eggs age, the egg whites become thinner, the yolk flattens, and the yolk membrane weakens. Although these changes may affect the appearance, they do not indicate spoilage and do not have any significant impact on the nutritional qualities of the eggs or their function in the recipe. If eggs are kept long enough, they will not spoil and will be more likely to dry up due to the exchange of natural gas and moisture through the pores of the eggshell.
If you’re wondering if your eggs have gone bad, here are five things you can check.
1. Smell the eggs
One way to check the freshness of eggs is an odor test. Place the broken eggs on a clean white plate, careful to keep the yolks intact. Take a moment to smell the eggs. Fresh eggs have a subtle smell that is difficult to detect. If an egg emits a strong, unpleasant odor, it is a clear indication that it has gone bad and should not be eaten.
This test is useful because it allows you to directly inspect the contents of the egg, ensuring that there are no signs of internal spoilage.
2. Look at your eggs
The freshness of the eggs can be judged by visual inspection. Before cracking the eggs, carefully inspect the shells for any signs of cracks, mucus, or powdery residue. These can all indicate bacterial growth or that the eggs have been damaged to some extent.
After breaking the eggs, check the whites and yolks. Fresh eggs will have a vibrant yolk and thick, cloudy egg whites immediately adjacent to the yolk. If the yolk is flat, while the egg whites are thin and watery, it is a sign that the egg is outdated and may not be safe to eat.
3. Check the expiration date
In addition to these practical test methods, a simple and effective way to determine if an egg has gone bad is to check the expiration date provided on the package. Most egg cartons come with an “expiration date” or “expiration date” that can be used as a consumption guide. While eggs can usually stay fresh for a short period of time after this date, it can serve as a useful initial check.
It’s important to remember that this date isn’t the only indicator of freshness, but when combined with the methods above, it can help ensure that the eggs you’re eating are safe and fresh.
4. Conduct water quality testing
Interestingly, a water test can determine if your eggs have gone bad. Fill a bowl with cold water and gently place the eggs in it. Proponents claim that fresh eggs sink to the bottom and lay flat on the sides, indicating that they are safe to eat. However, eggs that have surfaced to the surface are most likely spoiled and should not be eaten.
Each egg has an air sac. It is just below the shell, usually at the large end of the egg, and is formed when the inner and outer membranes separate shortly after the egg is laid. It is not correct to judge the freshness by placing eggs in plain water.
5. Check the consistency of the eggs
One of the telltale signs of spoilage of eggs is the appearance of mucus. “A sticky feeling can indicate bacterial growth, and, regardless of color, powdery spots that come off your hands may indicate mold,” says Maro Breti.
When opening eggs, pay close attention to the consistency of the egg whites and yolks. Fresh eggs have a firm yolk and thick, gelatinous egg whites. Conversely, if you notice that the yolk cracks easily, or that the egg whites look thin and slippery, or even have a slimy feel, then that’s a telltale sign of spoilage. Additionally, if any part of the egg is sticky or sticky to the touch, it may be a sign that bacteria have started to grow, making the egg unsafe to eat.
How long do eggs last?
Eggs have a longer shelf life than many other perishable items, but the exact length of time they stay fresh can vary. Usually, eggs can last for about three to five weeks in the refrigerator. The timeframe starts from the date of packaging, not necessarily from the date of purchase. Eggs must be stored in the coldest part of the refrigerator, usually on a shelf, not on a door, to keep them fresh for as long as possible.
Keeping eggs in airtight containers or original cartons can also help prevent eggs from absorbing the strong smell and taste of other foods in the refrigerator. It’s important to note that hard-boiled eggs have a shorter shelf life than raw eggs and can usually last for around a week if properly refrigerated and kept in a covered container.
