4. Why It Matters for Your Health
Eggs can carry Salmonella, a bacteria that can cause:
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Severe stomach cramps
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Diarrhea
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Fever
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Vomiting
In young children, elderly people, pregnant women, and those with weak immune systems, it can become serious or even life-threatening.
Older eggs are more likely to allow bacteria to multiply — especially if they’ve been stored improperly.
5. How to Check If Eggs Are Still Good
Besides reading the carton numbers, you can also:
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Keep eggs refrigerated at all times
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Avoid washing eggs before storage (it removes protective coating)
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Discard eggs with cracks
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Do a float test: if an egg floats in water, it’s old and should be thrown away
Final Thoughts
Those small numbers on your egg carton carry important information about freshness and safety. Taking a few seconds to read and understand them can help protect you and your family from foodborne illness.
The next time you buy eggs, don’t ignore the codes. They’re there for a reason — and your health may depend on it.
