1. Look at the end of the carton for a number that is preceded by “P” (this one is 1057)

2. Go to this USDA website and enter that number into the “Select Plants by Plant Number” box to find out where your eggs were laid and packed (these are from Pete & Gerry’s Organics in Monroe, NH).

3. Look for a 3-digit number next to, above, or near the “P” number (this one is 361).  This is the Julian date (looking at the year as days 1-365) when your eggs were packaged.

4. Go to this USDA website and enter that number to get it translated into “normal” calendar. (these were packed on December 27).

Notice that the “sell-by” date is Feb. 16 for these eggs, which would make them about 7 weeks old by the time they “expire.”