Decoder
Egg Carton Julian Date Decoder
The 3-digit number stamped on an egg carton is a Julian date — the day of the year the eggs were packed. Enter it below to get the exact date and see how fresh your eggs really are.
Decode the egg carton code
- Julian Date (JD)
- Modified JD (MJD)
- Julian Day Number
Enter the 3-digit code (e.g. 202). The decoder chooses the most recent non-future pack date; edit the reference year when the carton is older.
Where to find the code
On USDA-graded eggs, the Julian pack date is printed on the short end of
the carton, near the “Sell By” or “Best By” date and a plant code that
starts with P. The Julian date is the 3-digit number
between 001 and 365 (or 366 in a leap
year) — the sequential day of the year the eggs were washed, graded and
packed.
Quick reference
| Code | Pack date (common year) |
|---|---|
| 001 | January 1 |
| 032 | February 1 |
| 060 | March 1 |
| 100 | April 10 |
| 202 | July 21 |
| 365 | December 31 |
How fresh are the eggs?
The pack date is the honest freshness indicator — often more useful than the Sell-By date, which by USDA rule can be up to 30 days after packing. Keep eggs refrigerated at or below 40 °F (4 °C). USDA recommends using raw shell eggs within 3 to 5 weeks after purchase, which is not the same as 3–5 weeks after the pack date. A floating egg has a larger air cell and is older, but it may still be safe; crack it into a separate bowl and check for an off odor or unusual appearance.
Sources: USDA food product dating and USDA shell-egg safety guidance.
Julian date vs. Sell-By date
The Julian date is when the eggs were packed. The Sell-By/Best-By date is a store-stocking guideline. Use the pack date to judge true freshness.
Related
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Julian date on an egg carton?
Look on the short end of the carton, usually next to a "Sell By" or "Best By" date and a plant code beginning with "P". You will see a 3-digit number from 001 to 365 — that is the Julian date, the day of the year the eggs were washed and packed.
How do I read the 3-digit egg code?
The number is simply the day of the year. 001 is January 1, 032 is February 1, 060 is March 1 (in a common year), and 365 is December 31 — or 366 for eggs packed on December 31 of a leap year. Enter the code above to get the exact calendar date for the current year.
How long are eggs good after the pack date?
USDA recommends using raw shell eggs within 3–5 weeks after purchase when promptly refrigerated at 40 °F (4 °C) or below. That window does not begin at the pack date. A floating egg has a larger air cell and is older, but floating alone does not determine whether it is safe.
What is the "P" plant code next to the Julian date?
The code starting with "P" (for example P-1234) identifies the USDA-registered facility that processed and packed the eggs. It is separate from the Julian date and is used mainly for traceability and recalls.