Check the expiration date on the carton
Perform a water test: place the egg in a bowl of water
If it sinks and lays flat, it’s fresh
If it sinks but stands upright, it’s older but usually still safe to use soon
If it floats, discard it
Crack the egg into a separate bowl and check for an off smell
Discard if the egg smells bad, sour, or unusual
Inspect the egg contents: discard if there are unusual colors (pink, green, or iridescent) or visible mold
Check for cracks before using
Discard cracked eggs if the shell is dirty or the contents leak
Keep eggs refrigerated at 40°F/4°C or below
Use within 3–5 weeks of purchase for best quality (when continuously refrigerated)