Eggs are a tasty and easy-to-prepare source of protein. But when storing and handling them safely, you might have some questions. How long do eggs last in the fridge? If an egg floats, does that mean it’s bad? Can you freeze eggs? Let’s crack open some common egg safety questions!

How long are eggs safe in the refrigerator?

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), eggs in their shells are safe for 3 to 5 weeks in the fridge. The sell-by date will most likely expire, but the eggs are still safe to eat. Sell-by and use-by dates are for quality, not safety. The American Egg Board adds that they can be used up to 3 weeks past their purchase date.

• Raw egg whites or yolks (refrigerated): Up to 4 days
• Hard-boiled eggs: Up to 1 week

Best Way to Store Eggs

• Keep eggs inside the fridge (not in the door) at 40°F or colder. The fridge door is the warmest spot and can cause eggs to spoil faster.
• Leave eggs in their original carton to protect them from absorbing strong odors from other foods.

Can You Freeze Eggs?

• Do not freeze eggs in their shells. If they freeze by accident, let them thaw in the fridge and use them right away.
• Raw egg whites can be frozen for up to a year.
• Egg yolks generally do not freeze well, however; the American Egg Board suggests adding 1/8 teaspoon salt, 1 ½ teaspoon sugar or corn syrup per ¼ cup yolks (about four large yolks) before freezing to prevent the egg yolks from thickening or gelling caused by freezing. 

If an egg in shell floats in water, does that mean it is not safe to eat?

If an egg floats in water, that does not mean the egg is unsafe. A floating egg just has a larger air pocket, which means it has poor quality. Smell and color are better signs of whether an egg is bad. If it smells strange or looks off, throw it out!

Do I boiling water bath or pressure can homemade pickled eggs? 

Boiling water bath and pressure canning are not safe for pickled eggs. Home pickled eggs stored at room temperature put you at an increased risk for potentially deadly, botulism poisoning. Pickled eggs should be stored in the refrigerator and used within 3 to 4 months for best quality. Find recipes for pickled eggs through the National Center for Home Food Preservation. By following these simple tips, you can keep your eggs fresh and safe to eat!

Have more food safety and storage questions? Call the local extension office. 

Sources: United States Department of Agriculture & American Egg Board

About the Author: Lisa Peterson is an Illinois Extension Nutrition and Wellness Educator serving Christian, Jersey, Macoupin, and Montgomery counties in west central Illinois. Her interests include using social media marketing and technology to translate research-based information in food safety, optimal nutrition, preparing and safely preserving food, preventing and delaying chronic disease through diet management, and developing innovative methods for implementing wellness in the workplace. She has a passion for translating science-based research for consumers to use locally. She dedicates her work to improving Illinois's citizens' lives by providing them with the tools to make safe, healthy, and informed decisions. You can reach Lisa at lap5981@illinois.edu or at (217) 532-3941