We've all been there. Staring into the refrigerator, a carton of eggs in hand, wondering: are these still good? Knowing how long eggs last in the fridge is crucial for food safety and avoiding that unpleasant sulfurous surprise.
The good news is, commercially produced, refrigerated eggs have a surprisingly long shelf life! Generally, you can safely keep eggs in the fridge for **3-5 weeks** from the date they were packaged (the sell-by date). This doesn't mean they'll suddenly go bad on day 36, but their quality will decline.
How can you tell if they're still okay? The 'float test' is a popular method. Place the egg in a bowl of water. If it sinks and lays flat, it's fresh. If it sinks but stands on one end, it's still good but use it soon. If it floats, toss it! Bacteria have formed, producing gas that makes it buoyant. Remember, when in doubt, throw it out! Properly storing your eggs in their original carton in the coldest part of your fridge (not the door) will maximize their lifespan.
