Egg cartons can be confusing because they often contain several dates and numbers. The three-digit code found on many U.S. cartons is usually a pack date, not an expiration date. It tells you which day of the year the eggs were processed and packaged.
The code uses numbers from 001 to 365, with 001 representing January 1. For example, 032 means February 1, while 198 means July 17 in a non-leap year. This code can help you compare cartons and use older eggs first, but it does not by itself determine whether an egg is safe to eat.
You may also see a code beginning with “P.” This identifies the processing or grading facility. Other labels, including “Sell By,” “Best By,” and “Best Before,” have different purposes. A sell-by date mainly helps stores manage inventory, while best-by dates are generally related to quality.
