How to Tell if Eggs Are Bad

Published date: May 21, 2025 |

Estimated read time: 5 minutes |

Authored by:

AdventHealth

Topics:

Health Care Public Health

A Woman Inspects a Cartoon of Eggs in a Grocery Store

Do eggs expire?: Yes, eggs are perishable and do expire. Always purchase eggs before their printed “sell-by” date listed on the carton. However, you can’t rely solely on this information alone, as eggs are usually fresh for an additional week or two following the sell-by date, as long as they were properly refrigerated.
Should eggs be refrigerated?: Eggs have a natural protective coating that helps seal them, preventing air from penetrating and keeping bacteria out. As long as you’re sure the protective coating has not been washed off (like if you’re raising your own chickens, for example), eggs can remain at room temperature for a couple of weeks, though they’ll stay fresh much longer when refrigerated.
However, it’s important to note that all store-bought eggs in the U.S. are washed before they can be sold. So, for safety, all store-bought eggs should be stored in the refrigerator and should remain refrigerated when you bring them home. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, eggs should be stored in the coldest part of your refrigerator, not in the door, and you should set your fridge to 40°F or slightly lower to maintain optimal freshness.
How long can eggs sit out?: Unwashed eggs can be stored at room temperature for up to three weeks and are safe to consume. Store-bought eggs, however, should not be left out at room temperature for any more than two hours, or one hour if temperatures are over 85°F.
How long do eggs last in the fridge?: When stored correctly, the U.S. Department of Agriculture states that eggs will remain fresh for three to five weeks. It’s important to note this period includes the time they were stored at the grocery store.
Can you freeze eggs?: Like any liquid, eggs expand when frozen, so freezing them in their shells will crack the shells and contaminate them. If you’d like to prolong the life of your eggs and freeze them safely, crack them into a bowl, whisk them and pour the whisked eggs into individual portions in an ice cube tray or another freezer-safe container. Freezing an egg will affect its texture, but it can still be used in cooked dishes. When ready to use, thaw frozen raw eggs in the refrigerator overnight before cooking them. Use frozen eggs within three to four months for optimal freshness.
How long do hard-boiled eggs last in the refrigerator?: If left in their shells, hard-boiled eggs can remain fresh for up to a week when properly refrigerated. If they’ve been peeled, they should be eaten within 48 hours.
What happens if you eat a spoiled egg?: Eating a rotten egg can cause several symptoms, ranging from a minor upset stomach to a serious salmonella infection. Symptoms, such as diarrhea, vomiting, fever and abdominal pain, will normally appear within 48 hours of eating the egg and can linger for a few days. If your symptoms are severe or last more than a few days, you should visit your nearest AdventHealth Centra Care urgent care clinic for care. Foodborne infections can lead to severe dehydration and may even require hospitalization if they’re not treated.

5 Ways to Tell if Eggs Are Still Fresh

If you’re unsure whether the carton of eggs in your refrigerator is still fresh, try one of these five methods:

The Egg Float Test

If you’re unfamiliar with the egg float test, it’s a great way to tell if an uncooked egg is fresh without cracking or boiling it. Fill a glass or bowl with cold water and carefully submerge an egg. It will either float, sink while lying flat or sink while standing on one side. Here’s what you need to know about these three possibilities:

If it sinks and lies flat: A completely submerged, sunken egg is a sign of a fresh egg.
If it sinks but stands on one end: It’s not as fresh, but still fine to eat.
If it floats: An egg that floats is not fresh and may be spoiled. Your safest choice is to throw it away or compost it.

The science behind why this test works is quite interesting. Eggs have semipermeable shells, which means air can get through them. Older eggs have had more air penetrate their shells, causing them to float, and as an egg gets older, it eventually rots.

Additionally, rotting eggs release gas that also makes them buoyant. Remember, a floating egg doesn’t always mean it’s rotten, but a rotten egg always floats, and it’s safer not to eat it if you’re unsure.

Check for Odd Smells

Fresh eggs should have a neutral smell, not a strong or pungent odor. If your eggs smell strong, sour or sulfurous, either before or after cracking them, take it as a sign to throw them away. A rotten egg will smell bad regardless of whether it’s cooked or raw.

Carefully Shake the Egg

As an older egg sits and air enters its semipermeable shell, an air sac can form, allowing the egg contents to move freely within the shell. Another way to test for a fresh egg is to hold one close to your ear and shake it. If you hear or feel the liquid moving, it’s a sign of an older egg that may have gone bad. If you don’t hear or feel anything, it means your egg is fresh.

Inspect the Egg’s Shell

The texture of an eggshell can be another clue to an egg’s freshness. Do not use an egg if you notice any cracks on the shell or feel a slimy texture, as these are signs that the egg has been contaminated with bacteria.

Crack the Egg for an Inside Look

If you can’t tell whether an egg may be spoiled by looking at the outside, you can always crack it and look at the color. If the egg white appears to have a green or iridescent tint, take it as a sign of bacteria and throw the egg away. Similarly, avoid using eggs that have black or green spots, as they’re a sign of bacterial or fungal contamination.

We’re Always Here if You Need Us

If you or a family member accidentally eat an egg that’s gone bad, rest assured that help is always nearby. Our AdventHealth Centra Care urgent care centers treat food poisoning and foodborne illnesses and will help you or a loved one feel better faster. Find your nearest AdventHealth urgent care location today.