age of grocery store egg
Bell et al. (2000) showed that the age of white eggs sold in the different states ranged from 10.6 to 16.1 d. Albumen quality of white shell eggs ranged from 62.8 to 71.5 Haugh units, and the number of cracked white shell eggs ranged from 4.0 to 7.4%. As part of the same retail egg quality study, Darre et al. Other popular choices for egg consumption are duck, quail, roe, and caviar. Egg yolks and whole eggs store significant amounts of protein and choline, and are widely used in cookery. Due to their protein content, the United States Department of Agriculture categorizes eggs as Meats within the Food Guide Pyramid. In the US and Canada eggs must be refrigerated to be labeled as Grade A. They do keep better under refrigeration. Eggs in the U.S. are often only a few days old by the time they reach the store. You can check the three-digit pack date to confirm their age. As stated above, eggs keep longer under refrigeration. Just as important, salmonella growth is retarded by refrigeration. Eggs that are purchased at most stores are delivered to the store when they are only 4 to 5 days old. The average egg has a 21 day shelf life after it arrives at the store. This is true even with Curb Stores and  Mom And Pop's. Eggs are good for about 30 days after laying as long as they are kept between 36 and 40 degrees. Another nice thing is knowing that your eggs are fresh. The average egg in the grocery store can be up to 8 weeks old by the time you buy it. Hopefully none of your backyard eggs will hang around that long, but if they do, here are some tips to keeping your eggs fresh as long as possible. Keep the Eggs Clean. What are the differences between inspection and grading? To learn more, go to http://www.fsis.usda.gov/Fact_Sheets/Inspection_&_Grading/index.asp. What's the best way to store eggs? The best place for an egg is in its carton on an inside refrigerator shelf. Eggs are graded based on their quality and appearance. Grade AA eggs have thick, firm whites and high, round yolks. Their shells are clean and unbroken. Grade A eggs are like Grade AA, but their whites are reasonably firm. Grade A eggs are usually sold in stores. Grade B eggs have thin whites and wider yolks. Egg as food. Chicken egg redirects here. For the causality dilemma, see Chicken or the egg. Eggs are laid by female animals of many different species, including birds, reptiles, amphibians, mammals, and fish, and have been eaten by humans for thousands of years. The U.S. Poultry & Egg Association has compiled this list of frequently asked questions. They are grouped alphabetically by subject matter. Select a tab to view the corresponding category. Alternatatively, you can download these industry facts as a PDF. Farmers have 30 days from the day an egg is laid to get it to stores. Then, the stores have another 30 days to sell the eggs. However, most eggs in the U.S. reach grocery stores and other retail outlets just one-to-two days after being laid and nearly all of them reach the store within 72 hours or three days. Some other egg freshness related facts:
The average egg in the grocery store can be up to 8 weeks old.