Short answer
Best-before usually concerns quality, sell-by is primarily a retail stock-control date and use-by is a safety deadline where that term is legally used. Egg labels and permitted sale periods differ internationally.
Why the words matter
A quality date does not instantly turn a food dangerous, while a safety date should not be ignored. Pack dates can help identify production timing but may use codes unfamiliar to consumers. The exact legal meaning comes from the country’s labelling system.
Dates do not replace storage
An egg kept too warm, cracked or contaminated can become unsuitable before its date. Conversely, a properly stored egg may remain usable under local guidance after a quality date. Storage instructions and shell condition remain part of the decision.
How to make the decision
Read the complete carton rather than one printed number. Identify whether the date controls sale, quality or safety, confirm the eggs were stored correctly and follow the national food authority’s advice for cooking after a best-before date.