Amid the continuous surge in egg prices throughout the United States and reports of shortages in stock, many people have started hoarding eggs. However, due to the short “recommended shelf life” of eggs, it often happens that they go beyond the labeled date before being consumed. So, can these “expired” eggs still be safely eaten?
Some individuals believe that eggs must be consumed before their best-by date, but many food safety experts assert that even if eggs have passed the “best by” date, they are generally safe to eat.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), eggs purchased can be refrigerated for 3 to 5 weeks, during which time they may have already “expired.” Yet, they can still be safely consumed if properly stored in the refrigerator, as the date on the carton typically indicates quality rather than safety concerns.
Before using “expired” eggs, it is crucial to check for signs of spoilage such as a foul smell or cracks. For hard-boiled eggs, it is recommended not to exceed one week of refrigeration.
Many consumers often think that “expired” eggs cannot be consumed anymore mainly due to concerns about Salmonella contamination.
Janet Lee, a freelance writer in the health section of the American nonprofit organization Consumer Reports, pointed out that eggs are indeed susceptible to Salmonella contamination, causing numerous cases of food poisoning annually. However, Salmonella bacteria do not develop over time.
Sana Mujahid, Ph.D., the organization’s Manager of Food Safety Research, further explained that if there was no Salmonella present in the eggs initially, they will not develop it even when stored for a long time.
However, when the eggshells are broken, bacteria can easily enter and multiply. So, if eggs have cracks, discoloration, or an off smell, they should be discarded and not consumed.
As eggs are stored for longer periods, their quality gradually decreases. The USDA and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommend consumers to follow certain methods to store eggs:
1) To preserve eggs for as long as possible, fresh eggs bought should be stored immediately in the refrigerator at or below 40°F (4°C); 2) Place eggs on the lowest shelf of the refrigerator rather than on the door; 3) Store eggs in their original carton in the fridge; 4) Do not leave eggs out of the refrigerator for more than 2 hours; 5) If freezing eggs, do not freeze them in the shell, and either beat the yolk and whites together or freeze whites separately. Frozen eggs can be safely consumed for up to a year.
Although the USDA and FDA provide recommendations and safe consumption times for eggs, all information is for reference only, and individual circumstances may vary.
Currently, the highly contagious avian flu is seriously impacting the egg market in the United States, leading to a frenzy among consumers to purchase eggs. A homemaker in Los Angeles, Mrs. Chen, lamented, “Nowadays, buying eggs requires multiple stops and even getting out early in the morning, or else it’s really hard to find them. Whether at Costco, Sam’s Club, or supermarkets, egg shelves are empty, and the prices have increased several times over.”
To address the situation of people hoarding eggs, many supermarkets have been forced to implement restrictions on egg purchases. Analyses suggest that if this situation persists, egg prices are likely to continue rising in the coming months.
This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not serve any recommendation purposes. For specific information, please consult the official websites of the USDA and FDA in real-time. Epoch Times assumes no responsibility.