However, some state laws may either require or prohibit using a "sell-by" date. Eggs should always be stored in the fridge right before and after 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). The FDA said that the new label will curb food waste. use of a "sell-by" date. Therefore, some egg containers will list the expiration date, while others may not. The shelf life of eggs is greatly reduced if the eggs are not kept constantly refrigerated as they may become unsafe to eat. Answer: The Use By or Sell By dates stamped on the end of an egg carton denotes the period of optimum egg quality. Many eggs reach stores only a few days after the hen lays them. Sell By / Best By / Use By: Optional, unless required by State. FDA looks to swap out 'sell by' dates for 'best if used by' ... the product is not safe by a certain date. It's listed as a Julian date… 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. [+] "sell-by" or "expiration" dates on eggs are not a federal regulation. The "Sell-By" date will usually expire during that length of time, but the eggs will be perfectly safe to use. Question: Are eggs safe to eat after the Use By or Sell By date has expired? The 'sell-by' date will usually expire during that length of time, but the eggs are perfectly safe to 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. If used, see Shell Egg Graders Handbook , Section 5: EXP, Expiration date, Sell By, Not to be sold after date on end of carton, Purchase By, Last sale date on end of carton or other words of similar meaning, … What do the Dates on Egg Cartons Mean? Always purchase eggs before the "Sell-By" or EXP (expiration) date on the carton. Many eggs reach stores only a few days after the hen lays them. 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 Inspected, pasteurized egg products are used to make these commodities, and they may be re-pasteurized. Of the 76.2 billion eggs consumed in 2009, 30 percent were in the form of egg products (eggs removed from their shells). 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. 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