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How long does eggs last?
Updated 2026-05-13 · USDA FoodKeeper & FDA guidelines
Refrigerator
1 month
3–5 weeks past purchase if continuously refrigerated
The short answer
Eggs lasts as long as you store it correctly — which can mean anywhere from a few days on the counter to a year in the freezer. The numbers above represent best quality per USDA and FDA guidelines, not absolute safety limits.
Why these numbers vary
Chicken eggs, fresh in shell. Storage life depends on temperature consistency, humidity, packaging, and how fresh it was when you got it. Refrigerators that swing between 38°F and 45°F shave days off these numbers; vacuum-sealing or freezing extends them.
How to tell if eggs is bad
- Sulfur smell when cracked
- Pink or iridescent egg white
- Float in water (sinks = fresh, floats = old/bad)
Storage tips
- FLOAT TEST: fresh eggs sink, old eggs float (older eggs have more air)
- Refrigerate egg-side down, large end up
- Don't wash eggs (US sold pre-washed; EU eggs aren't)
- USDA grade eggs have 'sell by' 30 days from packing
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Frequently asked questions
How long does eggs last in the refrigerator?
Eggs lasts 1 month in the refrigerator. 3–5 weeks past purchase if continuously refrigerated
How can you tell if eggs is bad?
Watch for: Sulfur smell when cracked; Pink or iridescent egg white; Float in water (sinks = fresh, floats = old/bad).