Check the expiration date on the carton
Do a water test: place eggs in a bowl of water
If an egg sinks and lies flat, it’s fresh
If an egg sinks but stands upright, use soon
If an egg floats, discard
Crack the egg into a separate bowl
Discard if the egg smells bad (sulfur/rotten)
Discard if the white is watery and the yolk is broken or looks abnormal
Discard if you see mold, unusual colors (green/black), or thick, stringy clumps in the white
If the shell is cracked or leaking, discard
If stored improperly (left out at room temperature more than 2 hours; more than 1 hour if above 90°F/32°C), discard
Use within 3–5 weeks of purchase if refrigerated (even if not expired), for best quality