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

Convert it to a calendar date (a Julian date converter helps).

Use eggs within 3–5 weeks of that pack date.

When in doubt, throw it out—especially for dishes like quiche, hollandaise, custard, or tiramisu.

🥚 Bonus: Other Egg Carton Codes Decoded
Marking What It Means
Grade AA, A, B Egg quality (AA = firm whites, round yolks)
Organic Organic feed, no antibiotics, outdoor access
Cage-Free Not kept in cages (may still be indoors)
Pasture-Raised Outdoor access with roaming space
Plant Code (e.g., P-1234) Identifies the farm for recalls
🛡️ Tips to Prevent Egg-Related Illness

Never eat raw or undercooked eggs (unless pasteurized)

Cook egg dishes to 160°F (use a thermometer for quiche and custards)

Don’t leave eggs out longer than 2 hours (1 hour if over 90°F)

Wash hands and surfaces after handling raw eggs

Buy eggs with clean, uncracked shells