Salmonella doesn’t change an egg’s appearance, smell, or taste.
And it’s not killed by cracking or mixing—only by proper cooking (to 160°F/71°C).
If your eggs were old, improperly stored, or from a contaminated batch, even a baked quiche might not have reached a high enough internal temperature to kill the bacteria.
Fact: Salmonella can be inside the egg before the shell forms—so washing the shell won’t help.
How to Use the Julian Date Safely
Find the number on the short side of the carton (often near the USDA grade mark).
Calculate the pack date (use a Julian date converter online if needed).
Use within 3–5 weeks of that date.
When in doubt, toss it out—especially for dishes like quiche, hollandaise, or tiramisu that use undercooked eggs.
Bonus: Other Egg Carton Codes Decoded
Marking
What It Means
Grade AA, A, or B
Quality (AA = firmest whites, roundest yolks)
“Organic”
Hens fed organic feed, no antibiotics, outdoor access
“Cage-Free”
Hens not in cages—but may still be indoors
“Pasture-Raised”
Hens roam outdoors (most humane, best nutrition)
Plant code (e.g., P-1234)
Identifies the farm (can be traced in recalls)
Tips to Prevent Egg-Related Illness
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