📅 How long are eggs safe to eat?
According to USDA guidelines:
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Raw eggs in their shells are safe for 3-5 weeks after the packaging date.
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Eggs can still be edible even after the best-before date has passed.
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Eggs should always be stored at 4 °C (40 °F) or below .
⚠️ Important note:
The best-before date helps retailers with inventory management. However, the Julian date is crucial for safety and freshness.
🤢 Why your quiche made everyone sick
Even if eggs appear and smell perfectly fine, they can still contain salmonella , bacteria that cause the following:
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nausea
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Vomit
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Abdominal cramps
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Diarrhea
Salmonella does not change the appearance, smell, or taste of an ice cream.
It will not be destroyed by breaking, mixing or baking, unless the dish reaches a safe internal temperature.
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Egg dishes must reach a temperature of 71 °C (160 °F) to kill bacteria.
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A quiche that looks firm may still be raw in the middle.
🧪 Fact: Salmonella can already be present in the egg before the shell forms – therefore, washing the shell does not make the egg safe.
