Most people ignore this tiny detail on egg cartons… and it could be a mistake.

For example, during a salmonella outbreak, consumers were able to trace their eggs back to the processing facility and confirm whether their batch was safe—all thanks to the plant code combined with the Julian date.


USDA Grades and Labels

Beyond freshness and safety, cartons often carry quality labels:

  • Grade AA – Highest quality, with firm whites and round yolks; excellent for frying or poaching.

  • Grade A – Slightly less firm but still very good for most cooking applications.

Additionally, you may see extra labels such as “organic,” “cage-free,” or “pastured”—each reflecting the hens’ diet and living conditions. While these labels don’t always affect freshness, they can influence flavor and ethical considerations.

The Takeaway

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