As an easily consumed and prepared food, eggs always have a special place in your family’s refrigerator. However, when buying and selling eggs, it is often difficult to determine whether they are fresh or not, and whether they have gone bad or not. This can lead to many people buying spoiled eggs or eating rotten eggs, as even some sellers may not be aware of the freshness of the food.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), consuming spoiled or rotten food can increase the risk of food-related illnesses, which are associated with more than 200 different diseases. Salmonella, in particular, is a major concern when it comes to consuming eggs. That’s why people are warned against eating raw eggs, cracked eggs, eggs that have been left for a long time, or eggs that are spoiled.
The FDA states that compared to meat and milk, eggs usually have a much longer shelf life. In fact, eggs can be stored in the refrigerator with their shells intact for 3-5 weeks. If you boil the eggs thoroughly, you can store them and eat them within 1 week. However, if you separate the egg whites and yolks for raw consumption, they can only be stored for 2-4 days.
There are many ways to determine whether an egg has gone bad or not. The following methods are recommended by chefs and sources such as the USDA or FDA. Dr. Nguyen Duy Thinh, former lecturer at the Institute of Biotechnology and Food Technology, Hanoi University of Science and Technology, suggests combining these tips to identify egg freshness, rather than relying on just one method for the most accurate results.
Eggs show the following signs when they are not fresh and are prone to spoilage.
1. Float test
This is one of the oldest and most commonly recommended methods for checking the freshness of eggs. All you need to do is fill a bowl with water and place the egg in it.
A fresh egg will sink to the bottom, while a bad egg will float. This is due to the increasing size of the air cell inside the egg as time goes on.
According to the USDA, although a floating egg may be old, it does not necessarily mean it is bad. It is only considered bad if you crack it open and it has a strange smell. Such eggs should not be consumed.
2. Observation and smelling
This may sound simple, but not everyone pays attention to it. One way to check whether an egg or any food item is spoiled is by smelling it.
A fresh egg will not have any particular smell. If an egg has a smell, especially a sulfur-like smell, it is best to discard it.
In addition, you can check the freshness of an egg by pouring it onto a flat surface. The yolk of a fresh egg will be bright and round, while the white will not spread too much. These are signs of a fresh egg.
The USDA also states that if an egg appears pink or metallic after it is cracked, it is likely that bacteria have started to develop. Such eggs should not be consumed. Therefore, before cracking an egg, check to make sure there are no cracks or sticky residue on the shell.
3. Checking the texture and smell of cooked eggs
If you are still unsure after cooking an egg, you can look for some signs of spoilage.
Experts recommend smelling and observing the texture of the egg. Low-quality eggs will have a strange smell and an unusual slimy texture.
4. Checking the expiration date on the egg carton
According to the USDA, the “sell by” date on an egg carton means that it should be used within this time period for the best quality and taste.
The expiration date (often written as EXP) does not indicate a safe time period. However, it serves as a reminder that the eggs should not be consumed after this time.
If you use eggs that are past the sell-by or expiration date, it means the eggs are no longer fresh, and they may even be spoiled and difficult to predict.
Best practices for egg storage
Maintaining the expiration date and the freshness of eggs can help you save money and ensure the health of your family. Proper egg storage is crucial in this regard. According to the FDA and USDA, the best way to store eggs is to refrigerate them as soon as you bring them home.
Avoid leaving eggs out of the refrigerator for more than 2 hours. The USDA states that refrigerated eggs, when taken out, can start sweating. This increases the chances of bacteria infiltration.
According to Phụ nữ Việt Nam (Vietnamese Women)
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