how do you tell if an egg is ok to eat?

Question

egg box says best before 26 nov,are they ok?

Answer 1

Eggs gradually go off after their sell-by date. Unlike meat, they'll stay edible for quite some time after it expires.

Howver, they do lose nutrients as they age and an off egg is NEVER pleasant (green, stinky, you'd know if it was bad!)

However, the easiest way to tell if an egg is still good to eat it by floating it in a pan of water.

If it lies flat on the bottom, it's fresh.
If it touches the bottom, but tilts end up, then it's still edible, but getting older
If it bounces gently on the bottom then stays sunk it should be okay, but probably best to hard boil it and peel it so you can see what it's like withuot making a mess
And if it doesn't even touch the bottom, wrap it in as much newspaper as possible and get it in the bin fast!

4 days should be fine though, I've eaten four week old eggs before and they're fine - just float 'em!

NB
I've just looked closer at some of the other answers, I just want to reiterate, a floating egg is NOT okay - the air sac designed to help the chick breathe in a fertile egg expands as the egg ages, because the shell is slightly porous, it's the heavier, sinking eggs that are safe!

Answer 2

If the egg lies on its area on the backside, the air cellular interior of is small and it incredibly is totally clean. If the egg stands up and bobs on the backside, the air cellular is larger and it is not particularly as clean If the egg floats on the floor, it it could be discarded. additionally: a very clean egg out of the shell could have a standard thick white which does no longer unfold plenty and the yolk will arise. Grade AA eggs are the optimal grade attainable. They value extra desirable than different grades, yet could be a reliable decision because of the fact of their severe high quality and longer shelf existence.

Answer 3

Hello,

I have to confess I've never actually tried this myself, However I was told that if the egg/s are fresh and in good hygenic condition i.e. safe for human consumption then the egg should float in a pan or bowel of water.

If the egg immediately sinks its probably off or not safe to eat or consume.

**NOTE:- IMO If the eggs are past the sell by date DONT risk eating them, salmonella food posioning can be got from eggs. If you get salmonella it can be pretty serious too, you wouldnt wish it on your worst enemy I can tell you. If in any doubt chuck the eggs out and buy fresh ones.

IR

Answer 4

Yes do the water test that everyone has mentioned. Eggs have a seven day life after the date on the box but personally I wouldn't risk it.

Answer 5

Eggs can be fresh well past the box date. Fill a large bowl with water and place them in. If they lay flat at the bottom, they are good yet for several days. If they turn up on their ends - use within a day or so. If they bounce a bit, it is questionable and the floaters are like dead fish - toss them.

Answer 6

I personally wouldn't take any chances with eggs. They are 4 days out of date so it could be risky, if it was only 1 day then they would maybe be ok. You are best to chuck them and buy fresh.

Answer 7

Put your eggs in water and if they float they'll be fine. As the egg deteriorates more air gets trapped inside it and therefore causes the egg to float.

Answer 8

Do the water test that everyone else has mentioned. A day or two after the expiry date should be okay, but if they smell when you cook them, i wouldn't eat it.

Answer 9

Good eggs sink, bad eggs float! FACT!

Answer 10

a couple of days more than best before is ok because it is not the expiry date. check for any leakages and smell. if it is allright go ahead have that delightful omlette