However, some state laws may either require or prohibit using a "sell-by" date. The 'sell-by' date will usually expire during that length of time, but the eggs are perfectly safe to use." Some state egg laws do not allow the use of a "sell-by" date. What do the Dates on Egg Cartons Mean? Always purchase eggs before the "Sell-By" or EXP (expiration) date on the carton. Eggs should always be stored in the fridge right before and after use. The Department of Agriculture requires all graded eggs to have their pack date — the day that the eggs were washed, graded and placed in the egg container — stamped on the carton. Inspection of Egg Farms for Monitoring Compliance with Egg Safety Rule - Phase I September 28, 2010 Quarterly Summary on FDA Inspections Under the Egg Safety Rule September 2010 - December 2010 Question: Are eggs safe to eat after the Use By or Sell By date has expired? Many eggs reach stores only a few days after the hen lays them. Therefore, some egg containers will list the expiration date, while others may not. For information about egg substitutes contact the manufacturer or the FDA (888-723-3366). use of a "sell-by" date. Many eggs reach stores only a few days after the hen lays them. To keep them safe, take eggs straight home and store … It's listed as a Julian date… [+] "sell-by" or "expiration" dates on eggs are not a federal regulation. Related Information Of the 76.2 billion eggs consumed in 2009, 30 percent were in the form of egg products (eggs removed from their shells). FDA looks to swap out 'sell by' dates for 'best if used by' ... the product is not safe by a certain date. The FDA said that the new label will curb food waste. You'll usually find it on one of the ends, near the sell-by date or expiration date. Use of either a "Sell-By" or "Expiration" (EXP) date is not federally required, but may be state required, as defined by the egg laws in the state where the eggs are marketed. Sell By / Best By / Use By: Optional, unless required by State. The shelf life of eggs is greatly reduced if the eggs are not kept constantly refrigerated as they may become unsafe to eat. This number is a three-digit code that represents the consecutive day of the year starting Inspected, pasteurized egg products are used to make these commodities, and they may be re-pasteurized. Answer: The Use By or Sell By dates stamped on the end of an egg carton denotes the period of optimum egg quality. Use of either a "Sell-By" or "Expiration" (EXP) date is not a Federal regulation, but may be required, as defined by the egg laws in the state where the eggs are marketed. The "Sell-By" date will usually expire during that length of time, but the eggs will be perfectly safe to use. Egg cartons with the USDA grade shield on them must display the "pack date" (the day that the eggs were washed, graded, and placed in the carton). 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