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Gunther Heller

Do Raw Egg Whites and Yolks Go Bad?

Source: USDA FoodKeeper and FSIS · last verified November 2026

Illustration of raw egg whites and yolks
Raw egg whites and yolks Per USDA FoodKeeper
Counter
2 hours
1 hour if above 90°F
Fridge
2–4 days
at or below 40°F (4°C)
Freezer
12 months
at 0°F; quality, not safety
Quick answer

Yes. Raw egg whites and yolks last 2–4 days in the fridge and 12 months in the freezer. After that, or sooner if stored badly, they spoil: watch for the signs below.

How to tell if raw egg whites and yolks are bad

Smell

A sulphur smell when cracked — unmistakable, discard.

Shell

Slimy, powdery or cracked shells.

Inside

Pink, green or iridescent whites or yolks.

Float test

Shows age only. A floating egg is old; check the smell before deciding.

Raw egg whites and yolks past the expiration date

Best-by and sell-by

FoodKeeper gives unopened raw egg whites and yolks 2–4 days in the fridge, counted from the day you buy it. "Best-by" and "sell-by" describe quality and stock rotation, not safety; only infant formula carries a federally required use-by date.

Past the date

For perishable raw egg whites and yolks, the storage clock matters more than the label: if it has been in the fridge longer than 2–4 days, discard it even before the printed date.

How to keep raw egg whites and yolks fresh longer

  • Keep eggs in their carton on an inside shelf, not the door.
  • Store at 40°F (4°C) or below; do not wash them before storing.
  • Refrigerate hard-boiled eggs within 2 hours of cooking.

More about raw egg whites and yolks

More “does it go bad?” answers, A–Z →

FAQ

How long does it take for raw egg whites and yolks to go bad?
2–4 days in the fridge, per USDA FoodKeeper. At room temperature, 2 hours.
Can raw egg whites and yolks expire?
FoodKeeper gives unopened raw egg whites and yolks 2–4 days in the fridge, counted from the day you buy it. "Best-by" and "sell-by" describe quality and stock rotation, not safety; only infant formula carries a federally required use-by date.
What happens if you eat bad raw egg whites and yolks?
Spoiled perishable food can cause food poisoning: nausea, vomiting, cramps or diarrhoea. See a doctor if symptoms are severe or last more than a few days.
How do you keep raw egg whites and yolks from going bad?
Keep eggs in their carton on an inside shelf, not the door.
Numbers on this page come from USDA FoodKeeper and FSIS guidance. Last verified November 2026. How we verify our data · Report a wrong number