Higher egg prices may make you want to use up every last egg you have so they don’t go to waste, but it’s essential to make sure they are still safe to eat. Still, eggs often come in packs of 12 and it's not always easy to use them before the sell-by date, so here’s what you should know about eating expired eggs.

Eggs typically stay fresh and safe to eat for several weeks past their expiration date, but if you’re unsure, you can always test an egg’s freshness by using the water test. Place the egg in a cup of water: if it sinks to the bottom, it’s still safe to consume; however, if the egg floats, it has spoiled and should be discarded.

You can also use your senses to decide if an egg is safe to eat — cracked eggs should not give off much of a scent, and should have clear whites with a bright yolk. If you notice a foul odor, slimy texture, or discoloration, the egg is spoiled and could be contaminated with salmonella that leads to diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and worse.