What the Numbers on Your Egg Carton Really Mean — And Why Ignoring Them Could Make You Sick

So if your carton says 120, the eggs were packed on April 30, the 120th day of the year.

🥚 Important: This is not the expiration date—it’s the pack date.
📅 How Long Are Eggs Safe to Eat?
According to USDA guidelines:

Raw eggs in the shell are safe for 3–5 weeks after the pack date

Eggs may still be safe even if the sell-by date has passed

Eggs should always be stored at 40°F (4°C) or below

⚠️ Critical tip:
The sell-by or best-by date helps stores manage inventory. The Julian date is what matters for safety and freshness.
🤢 Why Your Quiche Made Everyone Sick

Even if eggs look and smell perfectly fine, they can still contain Salmonella, a bacteria that causes: