Store – Safe Handling

Check the Date

Always purchase eggs before the sell-by or expiration date. When kept refrigerated, fresh shell eggs are safe to be consumed four to five weeks beyond the date they were packed, which is the Julian date.

Julian & Sell-by Dates

Many eggs reach stores only a few days after being laid. Two dates can appear on the egg carton, the Julian date and the sell-by date.

Julian date

Julian date is the “pack date,” when the eggs were washed, graded and placed in the carton. This three-digit code represents the consecutive day of the year, with January 1 as 001 and December 31 being 365.

Sell-by date

Sell-by date, or expiration date, is not required by the federal government but may be required by state laws where the eggs are marketed. Always purchase eggs before the sell-by or expiration date on the carton.

Egg Products

Egg products refer to processed or ready-to-use products made after shell eggs are broken and processed. Egg products for purchase include whole eggs, egg whites and egg yolks in frozen, refrigerated liquid and dried forms. They may also be included in products like cake and cookie mixes. Specialty egg products can be pre-peeled hard-boiled eggs, egg salad; and pre-cooked omelets, egg patties, quiches, scrambled eggs or fried eggs.
When purchasing egg products, check for containers that are tightly sealed and unopened. Although many egg products have been pasteurized, it is important to follow all cooking instructions to ensure maximum safety.

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Safe Handling