Most People Ignore This Tiny Detail on Egg Cartons… and It Could Be a Mistake
Eggs are a kitchen staple found in almost every household. From breakfast omelets to baked goods, their versatility and nutrition make them an essential ingredient. But have you ever stopped to really look at the details printed on your egg carton? Most people don’t—and it turns out that ignoring this tiny detail could lead to mistakes in how you select, store, or use your eggs.
What Is This Tiny Detail?
It’s the date printed on the egg carton. While many assume it’s a simple expiration or sell-by date, there’s often more information encoded there than meets the eye. Understanding this detail can help you avoid food waste, improve safety, and get the freshest eggs possible.
Different Dates, Different Meanings
Egg cartons usually feature one or more of the following dates:
Sell-By Date: This tells stores how long they can display the eggs for sale. It’s not an expiration date.
Expiration Date: This is the last day the eggs are guaranteed fresh for consumption.
Pack Date: Often shown as a Julian date (a number from 001 to 365), this indicates when the eggs were packed and can help you determine freshness.
Use-By Date: Sometimes found on cartons, this is the recommended last day for best quality.
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