You can tell if eggs are off by using several simple methods: 1. Float
Test:
Place the egg gently in a bowl of water.
- If it sinks and lies flat on its side, the egg is fresh.
- If it sinks but stands upright, it’s still safe but not very fresh.
- If it floats, the egg is old and likely bad because the air pocket inside has enlarged
2. Sniff Test:
Crack the egg into a bowl and smell it. A bad egg will have a distinct,
unpleasant sulfuric or rotten odor, whether raw or cooked. If it smells off,
discard it immediately
. 3. Visual Inspection:
- Check the shell for cracks, sliminess, or powdery coating (which may indicate mold or bacteria).
- After cracking, look for pink, iridescent discoloration in the yolk or white, or if the yolk is flat and the white is very runny, which are signs of spoilage
4. Shake Test (less reliable):
Hold the egg near your ear and shake it gently. If you hear liquid sloshing,
the egg may be old and watery inside, indicating it might be off
. Additional Tips:
- Always refrigerate eggs and keep them in their carton.
- Use eggs before the best before date on the carton.
- Wash hands and surfaces after handling eggs to avoid contamination
If you eat a bad egg, you risk food poisoning with symptoms like fever, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting, so it’s best to avoid consuming eggs that fail these tests
