We’ve all had that moment—you crack an egg, and a strong smell tells you it’s bad before you even see it. Instead of guessing whether an egg is still good, you can check the printed codes on the carton and shell to know exactly how fresh they are.
Eggs are a staple in most kitchens, used in everything from breakfast dishes to baked goods. Whether scrambled, fried, or mixed into cake batter, they are a key ingredient in many meals. But have you ever noticed the numbers printed on egg cartons? Beyond the sell-by date, there’s a special code called the Julian date, which can help you choose the freshest eggs.
If you look closely at an egg carton, you’ll find a three-digit number near the expiration date. This number is the Julian date, showing the exact day the eggs were packaged. The system is simple: 001 represents January 1st, and 365 represents December 31st. For example, a Julian date of 045 means the eggs were packed on February 14th. Checking this number can help you find the freshest eggs before you buy them.
Next to the Julian date, you might see a code starting with “P” followed by four digits. This is the plant code, which identifies where the eggs were processed and packed. If there’s ever a recall, you can check the plant code on the FDA’s Egg Safety website to see if your eggs are affected.
Understanding these codes helps you make better choices. Eggs stay fresh for about four to five weeks after packaging, but stores can sell them for up to 30 days after that. Always look for the highest Julian number when shopping to get the freshest eggs.
As eggs get older, they lose moisture and their yolks become fragile. The whites also get thinner, which affects cooking and baking. While older eggs are still safe to eat, fresher eggs taste better and work best for recipes like omelets, poached eggs, and meringues.
To keep eggs fresh, store them in their original carton in the coldest part of the fridge. If you’re unsure whether an egg is still good, try the float test—fresh eggs sink, while bad ones float. Checking these details can help you avoid waste and enjoy better-quality eggs.