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Fresh eggs belong in the refrigerator

Eggs are not only a versatile and nutritious form of protein, they also remain fresh four to five weeks beyond the packing date. See “eggs-pert” storage tips below:

Refrigeration is key. Store your eggs in the refrigerator at 45 degrees F or below.

  • Put your eggs in the refrigerator as soon as you get home from the store.
  • Unpack grocery or meal kit deliveries upon arrival and refrigerate eggs and other perishables immediately.
  • Keep eggs in the coldest part of the refrigerator on an interior shelf, which maintains temperature better than the refrigerator door.
  • Keep eggs in the original carton so you can check the carton dates.
  • Don’t leave raw eggs out of the refrigerator for more than two hours.


How do you know if an egg is spoiled? The best way to test an egg is to break it open into a bowl. If you answer yes to any of the following questions, DISPOSE OF THE EGG:

  • Is the color of the egg white pink, green or iridescent? Off colors indicate pseudomonas bacteria, a common type of bacteria that healthy people often carry without knowing it. This bacterium produces a greenish, fluorescent, water-soluble pigment in the egg white.
  • Is there black or green spots inside the egg? These colors indicate bacterial or fungal contamination of the egg.
  • Does the egg have an unpleasant odor? This also is a sign of spoilage, and the egg, whether raw or cooked, should not be eaten.

Is a floating egg a bad egg? Many people say an egg that floats in a bowl of water is spoiled. But, a floating egg does not equal a bad egg. Per the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Services (FSIS), an egg can float in the water when the air cell has enlarged just enough to keep it buoyant. This means the egg is a few weeks old, but it may be perfectly safe to eat. Check by breaking it into a bowl and see if there are any signs of spoilage.

Never eat raw eggs and always cook eggs to the recommended temperature to ensure any harmful bacteria is destroyed. Follow the Egg Safety Center on Facebook and Twitter for safe handling tips in the store and in your kitchen.