Check the expiration or sell-by date
Place the egg in a bowl of water
Fresh egg: sinks and lies flat on its side
Slightly older egg: sinks but stands upright
Bad egg: floats
Crack the egg into a separate bowl
Fresh egg: firm yolk and thick, clear white
Bad egg: runny white, flat yolk, or off smell
Smell the egg after cracking
Inspect the shell for cracks, slime, or unusual spots
Shake the egg gently
Discard any egg with a strong odor or unusual appearance