When it comes to food items that spark confusion around labels, eggs top the list. Many households throw away eggs the moment they cross the “Best Before” date — but are they really unsafe? Let’s break down the science, myths, and facts about egg freshness, and explore how to safely enjoy them even after the printed date.
🗓️ Best Before vs Use By: What’s the Difference?
Best Before Date → Focuses on quality, not safety. Eggs may not be at their peak taste or texture after this date, but they can often still be eaten.
Use By Date → This is about safety. If present (depends on country/brand), it should be followed strictly.
👉 In many countries, eggs are sold with a Best Before label, meaning they often remain edible 2–3 weeks beyond that date if stored correctly.
🥚 How Long Do Eggs Really Last?
Freshness Window:
At room temperature (20–25°C): ~1 week.
In the refrigerator (below 7°C): 3–5 weeks after purchase.
According to the USDA: Eggs kept at or below 7°C are safe to eat 3–5 weeks past the pack date.
WRAP UK Report (2020): Millions of eggs are wasted unnecessarily due to confusion around date labels, even though eggs can remain safe 1–2 weeks beyond their Best Before if stored in the fridge.
📊 Fact: In the UK alone, about 720 million eggs are wasted annually (WRAP, 2020). That’s equivalent to more than 3,000 tonnes of avoidable food waste.
✅ How to Test Egg Freshness at Home
The Float Test
Fill a glass of water.
Place the egg inside.
Fresh eggs → sink to the bottom and lie flat.
Older but edible eggs → stand upright at an angle.
Spoiled eggs → float to the surface (due to gas buildup inside).
The Sniff Test
Crack the egg into a bowl.
Good eggs smell neutral.
Bad eggs smell strongly sulfurous or rotten.
The Visual Test
Inspect whites and yolks.
If whites are runny but there’s no bad smell, eggs are older but still usable for baking or boiling.
🍳 Smart Ways to Use Eggs Past Their Best Before
Older eggs (still safe) may not be ideal for poached eggs or airy omelets, but they’re perfect for:
Baking (cakes, muffins, cookies)
Hard-boiled eggs (they peel easier when slightly older)
Scrambled eggs & fried rice
French toast or bread coatings
👉 Tip: Always cook older eggs thoroughly (avoid runny yolks). Heat kills bacteria like Salmonella.
🌍 Environmental and Economic Impact
Household Waste: Throwing away a dozen eggs wastes not just food, but the resources that produced them (feed, water, packaging, transport).
Carbon Footprint: The FAO estimates that wasted eggs contribute significantly to livestock-related emissions, since poultry feed production is resource-intensive.
Consumer Cost: In India, the average cost of an egg is ~₹6. Discarding one tray of 30 eggs = ₹180 wasted — small individually, but large collectively.
🏛️ Government and Food Safety Guidelines
FSSAI (India): Recommends refrigeration and discourages washing eggs before storage (washing removes the protective cuticle, allowing bacteria to enter).
FDA/USDA (USA): Advises keeping eggs refrigerated at all times, and using them within 3 weeks past purchase if stored properly.
European Union: Eggs are often sold unrefrigerated but must be stored cool at home. The Best Before is usually set at 28 days after laying.
💡 Conclusion: Don’t Waste, Be Smart
Eggs don’t suddenly expire when the Best Before date passes. With proper storage and simple freshness tests, you can safely enjoy them for days — even weeks — beyond the label.
👉 Next time you see eggs nearing the Best Before date, don’t rush to throw them out. Check them, cook them, and enjoy them. By doing so, you’ll save money, reduce food waste, and cut down your carbon footprint.
🌱 Because every egg — like every meal — deserves a second chance.
📚 References:
WRAP UK (2020) – Food Waste in UK Households: Egg Wastage Data
USDA (2021) – Egg Storage and Safety Tips
FAO (2019) – Food Waste and Resource Use Report
FSSAI (2020) – Food Safety Guidelines on Egg Storage
