What Happens If I Eat Expired Eggs? Food Poisoning Symptoms

Eggs are rich in nutrients and an affordable staple of many households. But if they have been sitting in your fridge for several weeks, you may wonder if they are still safe to eat.

Generally, it is safe to eat expired eggs about 3-5 weeks past their sell-by date as long as they have been stored and cooked properly. The sell-by date indicates when the market shelves need to be cleared of the egg cartons. It does not mean that the eggs are unfit for consumption after that date.

However, it’s important to understand the difference between expired eggs and spoiled eggs.

What are the risks of eating bad eggs?

Eating rotten or contaminated eggs can make you very sick.

Rotten eggs can easily be identified by a strong sulfur smell.

Contaminated eggs contain bacteria called Salmonella, which can penetrate the shell. Identifying Salmonella can be tricky because even fresh eggs can be contaminated with it. However, proper handling and cooking practices can help prevent this.

What are the symptoms of food poisoning?

If you eat eggs contaminated with Salmonella, you may develop food poisoning symptoms that typically begin between 6 hours and 6 days after consumption.

Symptoms of Salmonella food poisoning include:

– Nausea

– Vomiting

– Diarrhea

– Abdominal pain

– Fever

Symptoms of Salmonella infection generally last for about 4-7 days. It is important to drink plenty of fluids during this time. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience a high fever (102 F), worsening diarrhea, vomiting for more than 2 days, blood in stools, or signs of dehydration.

What does the expiration date mean for eggs?

Egg cartons are often labeled with dates that indicate when they were processed or packed, which can help you determine how long your eggs are safe to eat.

• Sell-by date: This date indicates when sellers can have the eggs sold until they should be removed from the shelves. Eggs are generally safe to consume up to 3-5 weeks past the sell-by date as long as they are stored properly.
• Expiration date: For eggs, the expiration date is the same as the sell-by date.
• Use-by or best-by date: This date indicates when the eggs will be best in quality and flavor. Even if the eggs have passed their best-by date, you can consume them as long as they don’t show signs of spoilage.
• Packed on date: This date tells you when the eggs were processed and packed in the carton or box. It is expressed as a three-digit code that represents the consecutive day of the year. Eggs are generally safe to consume up to 3-5 weeks past the pack date as long as they are stored properly.

QUESTION

How to tell when eggs have spoiled

• Smell: Spoiled eggs have a putrid or sour smell when cracked open.
• Cracks: Cracked shells act as an entry point for harmful bacteria such as Salmonella.
• Color: If the egg white is greenish or iridescent, it could indicate the presence of bacteria. Normally, the egg white is clear or cloudy with or without string-like structures or chalazae.
• Tests: The float test or candle test can help determine how fresh the eggs are. However, they will not necessarily tell you if an egg has gone bad. The float test involves placing the eggs in a large bowl full of water; eggs that sink are considered fresh. The candle test helps examine the presence of any blood or meat spot in the egg.

Who should avoid eating expired eggs?

Although eggs can be consumed beyond their expiration date, certain groups of people may be at higher risk of getting sick from eating expired eggs. These groups include children, older individuals, pregnant women, and people with chronic health conditions such as diabetes, cancer, human immunodeficiency virus, and renal diseases.

How to reduce the risk of getting sick from eggs

Proper storage, handling, and cooking of eggs can protect you from getting sick from contaminated eggs:

• Buy eggs from stores that keep them properly refrigerated.
• Discard cracked or dirty eggs.
• Wash your hands, utensils, cutting boards, and kitchen counters if they have come into contact with raw eggs.
• Store eggs in your refrigerator at 40 F (4 C) or lower.
• Buy pasteurized eggs and egg products, especially for recipes that involve light cooking or using raw eggs.
• Cook eggs thoroughly (at 160 F or higher) until the egg white and yolk appear firm.
• Avoid tasting dough or batter that contains raw eggs.
• Consume eggs soon after cooking.
• Refrigerate cooked eggs or foods prepared using eggs within 2 hours, or 1 hour if the eggs were exposed to temperatures above 90 F.

What is the nutritional profile of eggs?

When stored and cooked safely, eggs are an excellent and versatile source of protein. One large egg provides you with the following nutrients:

What are the health benefits of eggs?

The rich nutritional profile of eggs makes them an ideal addition to any diet with many health benefits:

• Rich in protein: Egg protein contains all the essential amino acids. It is essential for building healthy muscles, bones, and other body tissues.
• Good source of vitamin D: Egg yolk contains vitamin D, which helps keep bones and teeth healthy, boosts immunity, and helps lower inflammation.
• Promotes brain health: Eggs contain various essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals that promote brain health. They also play a crucial role in fetal development.
• Aids weight loss: Eggs are high in protein but low in calories, making them excellent for weight management.
• Improves eye health: Eggs contain various antioxidants, including vitamin A, which is needed to maintain healthy vision and prevent eye diseases.
• Boosts immunity: Eggs play a crucial role in keeping your immune system healthy.
• Gluten-free: Eggs are naturally gluten-free, making them suitable for people with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease.

How many eggs should you eat on a regular basis?

Although eggs are generally safe to consume, eating too many eggs in one day can cause indigestion, bloating, nausea, and stomach discomfort.

Most healthy people can safely consume 1 egg a day or 6-7 eggs a week. Consuming more than that could increase your risk of cardiovascular diseases, especially if you have high triglyceride levels.

People with health conditions such as diabetes or heart diseases should limit egg consumption to no more than 3 egg yolks a week. If you have difficulty controlling your blood cholesterol levels, you may opt to just eat the egg whites instead of the yolk. It is also important to cook eggs in healthy ways without too much fat or salt.

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