You can check if your eggs are bad by using a few different methods
. Smell test
Eggs that have gone bad will have an unmistakable smell whether they are raw
or cooked
. If the egg smells sulfuric, it is no longer safe to eat
. If you don’t notice an odor, that is a good sign the egg is still good
. Visual inspection
Check that the eggshell isn’t cracked, slimy, or powdery, as these traits can
indicate bacteria or mold
. Then, crack the egg into a clean, white bowl or plate, and check for pink or iridescent discoloration in the yolk or whites
. Discoloration indicates bacterial growth
. A fresh egg should have a bright yellow or orange yolk that is rounded, sitting high on thick inner albumen
. Float test
To perform the float test, place the egg in a bowl or bucket of water
. If the egg sinks, it is fresh, and if it tilts upward or floats, it is old
. As an egg ages, the air pocket inside it grows larger as water is released and replaced by air
. The egg may float if the air pocket becomes large enough
. Shake test
Hold the egg up to your ear and shake it
. If you don’t hear liquid swishing around inside, the egg is fresh
. If you hear liquid sloshing around, the egg is old and the yolk may be watery
. Wash surfaces with hot, soapy water before and after contact with raw eggs to prevent contamination from bacteria like salmonella
