USDA FoodKeeper – Cold Storage Guidelines
Official refrigerator, freezer, and pantry timelines maintained by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Visit USDA FoodKeeperRich in nutrients and versatile in the kitchen, fresh raw egg yolks can elevate everything from sauces to desserts. However, with a shelf life of just 7 days in the fridge and a medium risk level for foodborne illnesses, it’s essential to handle and store them with care to enjoy their delicious benefits safely.
30 most common foods with instant answers. Print it and stick it on your fridge—completely free! Want more? Upgrade to the complete guide with 70+ foods.
"According to USDA guidelines, fresh raw egg yolks should be stored in the refrigerator at 40°F or below and used within 2 to 4 days for optimal safety."


Fridge
32-40°F (0-4°C)
Store in an airtight container with a layer of oil on top to prevent drying out.
7 days
90 days
Unpleasant odor, slimy texture, unusual color changes
Use in custards, mayonnaise, and pasta dough
For baking, use egg substitutes or egg whites
As Egg Yolks Fresh Raw age, the quality degrades in terms of texture, flavor, and appearance. While they may still be safe to eat within a certain timeframe, the best quality for taste and consistency is usually within the first few days of purchase. Differentiate between expiration dates and best quality dates to ensure optimal freshness and taste.
To check if a raw egg yolk has gone bad, look for any changes in color, such as a darker or greenish hue, which may indicate spoilage. A bad egg yolk may also have a strong, unpleasant odor and a slimy or thick texture, rather than a smooth and runny consistency.
Egg Yolks Fresh Raw can pose a risk of Salmonella contamination due to potential contact with the bacteria on the eggshell. To prevent illness, it's crucial to use pasteurized eggs, store eggs in the refrigerator, cook them thoroughly, and avoid consuming raw egg yolks, especially for vulnerable populations like pregnant women, young children, and elderly individuals.
For optimal storage, separate the egg yolks from the whites and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To maintain freshness, consider covering the yolks with a bit of water or a pinch of salt. If you need to store them for longer periods, freezing the yolks in ice cube trays can preserve them for future use in recipes.
Egg yolks have been used in various culinary traditions worldwide for centuries. In many cultures, they symbolize fertility, new life, and rebirth. Fun fact: Egg yolks are not only a rich source of essential nutrients like vitamin A, iron, and choline but also play a crucial role in creating creamy textures in dishes like custards and sauces.
If Egg Yolks Fresh Raw has been at room temperature for 2 hours, it's best to discard it. Bacteria can multiply rapidly at room temperature, increasing the risk of foodborne illness. To ensure safety, always store Egg Yolks Fresh Raw in the fridge within 1 hour of preparation.
Once opened, Egg Yolks Fresh Raw should be consumed within 2 days if stored properly in the refrigerator. Make sure to cover it tightly with a lid or plastic wrap to prevent contamination and transfer any remaining Egg Yolks Fresh Raw to a clean container.
Yes, the type of container can impact the shelf life of Egg Yolks Fresh Raw. It is best to store Egg Yolks Fresh Raw in airtight containers to prevent absorption of odors from other foods in the fridge. Glass or food-grade plastic containers with tight-fitting lids are ideal for maintaining freshness.
Yes, you can freeze Egg Yolks Fresh Raw for up to 3 months. To freeze, separate the yolks from the whites and place them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. When thawed, the texture of Egg Yolks Fresh Raw may become slightly thickened, but it is still safe to use in cooking and baking.
Cooking Egg Yolks Fresh Raw can extend its usability beyond the expiration date. When properly cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C), any harmful bacteria present in the raw Egg Yolks Fresh Raw will be killed, making it safe to eat even if it's close to or slightly past the expiration date.
While the shelf life of Egg Yolks Fresh Raw is generally around 7 days when stored in the fridge, different brands may have slight variations in freshness due to processing methods and packaging. Always check the expiration date on the packaging and follow storage recommendations for optimal quality.
It is not recommended to store Egg Yolks Fresh Raw next to other dairy products in the fridge. Egg Yolks Fresh Raw can absorb odors from other foods, affecting its flavor. To prevent cross-contamination and maintain freshness, store Egg Yolks Fresh Raw on a different shelf or in a separate compartment in the refrigerator.
When transporting Egg Yolks Fresh Raw for a few hours, it's crucial to keep it chilled to prevent bacterial growth. Use a portable cooler with ice packs to maintain a temperature below 40°F (4°C). Pack Egg Yolks Fresh Raw in a sealed container to avoid leakage and cross-contamination with other foods during travel.
30 most common foods with instant answers. Print it and stick it on your fridge—completely free! Want more? Upgrade to the complete guide with 70+ foods.
Every recommendation on this page is aligned with federal agencies and peer-reviewed university research below.
Official refrigerator, freezer, and pantry timelines maintained by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Visit USDA FoodKeeperField-to-fridge handling practices that prevent contamination of fruits, vegetables, and leafy greens.
Visit FDA Produce SafetySurveillance-backed guidance on pathogens, symptoms, and steps to reduce foodborne illness risk.
Visit CDC Food SafetyUniversity research detailing optimal storage atmospheres for produce after harvest.
Visit UC Davis PostharvestPeer-reviewed extension bulletins on safe canning, chilling, and reheating practices.
Visit Penn State ExtensionNeed deeper reading? Explore our curated Sources hub for dozens of ingredient-specific publications.
Scan your food directly and get instant safety info using our AI-powered camera feature.
Grains & Pasta
View expiration date and storage guide →
Herbs and Fresh Produce
View expiration date and storage guide →
Meat & Poultry
View expiration date and storage guide →
Herbs and Fresh Produce
View expiration date and storage guide →
Fruits & Vegetables
View expiration date and storage guide →
Seafood
View expiration date and storage guide →
Meat & Poultry
View expiration date and storage guide →
Meat & Poultry
View expiration date and storage guide →
Baking Supplies
View expiration date and storage guide →
Important: These are general guidelines based on authoritative sources listed above. Always use your best judgment and when in doubt, throw it out. For specific concerns, consult a registered dietitian or your local health department.