How do you tell if an egg is off?

Here's how to tell if an egg is off, along with some tips:

Visual Inspection

* Shell: Look for cracks, chips, or any discoloration on the shell.

* Yolk: Hold the egg up to a light. A fresh yolk will be firm and round. A cloudy yolk, or one that's spread out, suggests the egg is older.

* White: The white should be clear and firm, not runny or watery.

Smell Test

* Fresh eggs: Should have no odor.

* Spoiled eggs: Will have a strong, sulfurous smell.

Other Tests

* Float Test: Place the egg in a bowl of cool water. A fresh egg will sink to the bottom and lie on its side. An older egg will float or stand on its end, indicating air pockets have formed inside.

* The "Crack and Sniff" Method: Crack the egg into a bowl. If the smell is off, discard the egg.

Important Notes

* Refrigeration: Eggs should always be refrigerated.

* Use-by dates: While not always a guarantee, use-by dates are a good guideline.

* Don't be afraid to throw it away: If you have any doubts, it's better to err on the side of caution and discard the egg. Foodborne illness from spoiled eggs can be serious.

Let me know if you have any other questions!