Eggs are a kitchen staple in nearly every American household, loved for their versatility, affordability, and nutritional value, but their shelf life often leads to confusion and even the occasional argument over whether they’re still safe to eat past the printed date on the carton. One couple’s recent disagreement over a carton of expired eggs highlights just how uncertain many people feel about this everyday issue.

Fortunately, understanding the science behind egg expiration and learning a few simple tricks can help clear things up and give you confidence when deciding whether to keep or toss those eggs. First, it’s important to understand what the dates on egg cartons really mean. The “sell-by” or “expiration” dates found on cartons are mostly guidelines for retailers to manage stock rotation and are not hard rules about food safety. These dates don’t automatically mean the eggs are no longer edible after they pass. In fact, eggs can remain safe and fresh well beyond the listed date if they’ve been stored properly.

To truly determine an egg’s freshness, there are several easy methods you can use at home. One of the most popular and reliable is the float test: simply place an egg in a bowl or cup of cold water. If the egg sinks to the bottom and lays flat on its side, it’s fresh. If it stands upright or floats, that’s a clear sign it’s gone bad and should be discarded. This works because as eggs age, air enters through their porous shells, increasing buoyancy. Another simple test involves cracking the egg open onto a plate. A fresh egg will have a firm yolk and thick whites, while an older one will look runny and flat. And of course, if it smells off or sulfur-like, don’t take any chances—toss it out. The science behind egg spoilage is based largely on how eggs are stored. Eggs naturally lose moisture and carbon dioxide through their shells over time, causing the internal pH to rise and the texture to change.

Keeping eggs in the refrigerator helps slow this process, extending their usability by weeks. This is why many eggs remain perfectly safe to eat for three to five weeks after the expiration date if they’ve been properly refrigerated. That said, not all expired eggs are safe, and consuming spoiled ones carries risks. One of the main concerns is salmonella, a bacteria that can cause serious foodborne illness. While most refrigerated eggs from a reliable source are low-risk, eating one that’s gone bad can lead to symptoms like stomach cramps, fever, and diarrhea. That’s why it’s essential to use your senses and judgment when dealing with older eggs.

Many people also believe that eggs must be thrown out as soon as they reach the expiration date, but this is a widespread misconception. Food safety experts suggest relying on smell, appearance, and basic freshness tests rather than solely trusting printed dates. They argue that, while expiration dates serve as helpful guidelines, they aren’t absolute indicators of spoilage. Proper storage plays a critical role in maximizing egg freshness. Always keep eggs in their original carton in the coldest part of the refrigerator, rather than on the door where temperatures fluctuate frequently. The carton helps protect eggs from light and strong odors from other foods that could affect their flavor. This simple habit can extend shelf life and maintain egg quality. Disagreements in the kitchen over whether to keep or toss food are common, especially in relationships. Instead of turning to arguments, couples can find resolution by learning a few key facts about food safety and agreeing on a consistent way to check freshness—like using the float test or setting a standard timeline together. Open communication and a shared approach can help avoid unnecessary tension while keeping both people comfortable and safe. Ultimately, deciding whether or not to eat expired eggs comes down to knowledge, caution, and common sense. By understanding what egg carton dates really mean, knowing how to test for freshness, and storing them correctly, you can make informed choices that protect your health and keep peace in the kitchen.