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What Really Happens If You Eat Eggs Past Their Sell-By Date?

One of the top food stories over the past few years has been the notorious rising cost of eggs (the current national average is $4.62) due to supply chain issues. And in late January, things have gotten even worse — many store shelves’ egg sections are empty, thanks to the bird flu epidemic.

So with that in mind, you may wonder how to make the most of your eggs. Is it OK to eat them past their “sell-by” date instead of throwing them out?

Or is that a bad idea? We spoke with health and food safety experts to find out how far we can push the limits — and what may happen when we do.

Sell-by dates reflect an estimate of how long the eggs’ quality can be maintained — not necessarily safety

In the United States, the outsides of eggs are washed with warm water to clean the shell — but that process also removes the exterior cuticle, which HuffPost has previously reported prevents bacteria and spoilage. (Europeans don’t wash their shells.)

After undergoing that process, in the U.S. “eggs can last between three to five weeks post-purchase as long as they are refrigerated and stored in an environment with a temperature below 40 degrees Fahrenheit,” said Dr. Michael Chichak, medical director at MEDvidi.

Pete & Gerry’s, a popular brand of organic and pasture-raised eggs, adheres to a similar timeline. “For our eggs, best buy date means that we recommend consuming them on or before the date printed on the carton,” said Cameron Whitehead, the brand’s chief operating officer. “Our eggs are typically processed within a few days of being laid and printed with a best-by date, which is 30-45 days from processing, depending on different state regulations.”

According to Dr. Laura Purdy, a board-certified family medicine physician, sell-by dates can be confusing because the government doesn’t regulate food product date labels. “In fact, this is solely up to the manufacturers and companies to determine how they are going to create that date, which is usually picked based on quality,” she said. “This means when the food item is going to be the freshest and taste the best. It has nothing to do with the food being safe to consume.”

How does an egg even go bad if it’s not contaminated with something like bird flu?

“Eggs naturally have a small air pocket,” said Darin Detwiler, a food safety academic, adviser, advocate and author. “As they age, moisture and carbon dioxide escape through the porous shell, increasing the air pocket size. This makes the egg less fresh but not necessarily unsafe.”

He further explained cracks in the shells can allow bacteria to enter, leading to contamination. Because of chemical degradation, the old eggs begin to smell bad. “Proteins and fats in the egg break down, creating foul-smelling sulfur compounds like hydrogen sulfide,” he said. “Spoiled eggs often have an off-putting odor, slimy texture or discoloration.”

Trista Best, a registered dietitian at The Candida Diet, added: “Fresh eggs have a pH of around 7.6, which is slightly [alkaline],” she said. “As eggs age, the pH rises and results in a sulfur taste.”

Most eggs can maintain their quality between three to five weeks after production.

The rule is: If the eggs smell fine, it’s probably OK to eat them. “As long as the eggs are stored in the fridge, eggs shouldn’t spoil,” said Shelley Balls, a registered dietitian nutritionist for Consumer Health Digest. “I’ve eaten eggs two months past their sell-by date. They just don’t have the quality that they once had.”

OK, sure, but let’s say you eat that two-month-past-its-expiration-date egg. Are side effects possible?

6 Red Flags Japanese Chefs Look For When They Order Sushi

Whether it be fresh yellowtail sashimi or a piled-high rainbow roll, Americans love sushi. But when faced with an encyclopedia of fish options, it’s hard to know what to choose.

There’s long been a rumor that when you order tuna at some sushi restaurants, you’re actually just getting a worse-quality fish dyed red with food coloring. So it’s no wonder diners often feel wary when perusing a sushi menu.

We spoke to sushi chefs across the United States about what they look for when they order nigiri, sashimi and rolls, plus the biggest red flags to avoid before you pick up your chopsticks.

Color Is Everything

All of our sushi experts agreed that the color of the fish is the No. 1 indicator that something’s not quite right. For chef Takeshi Ikeuchi, executive chef of Morimoto Asia in Disney Springs, Florida, it’s the first thing you should consider before taking a bite. “Diners should avoid anything that is dull or discolored,” he said.

Chef Masatomo “Masa” Hamaya, culinary director of O-Ku and Junto in Bentonville, Arkansas, confirmed this is the biggest dealbreaker. He explained, “When it comes to any kind of fish, when you see the color changing or any discoloration, it’s a red flag because it’s oxidizing, which isn’t a good sign.” Once a fish oxidizes, it begins to break down fatty acids and turn rancid.

It Shouldn’t Look Dry

Fish should have a natural sheen and luster, like it’s straight from the dock to your dish. Mitsuhiro Eguchi, corporate sushi chef at Nobu Chicago, said, “Dry fish means there is a loss of freshness.” The same goes for the rice. Eguchi said, “If the rice is too hard or dry, that means the balance is off. That’s a sign of poor rice quality.”

It Should Smell Like The Ocean, Not Like Fish

There’s nothing worse than a fishy smell emanating from atop your rice. However, sushi chefs note there is a major difference between an “ocean” smell and a “fishy” smell.

Hamaya said, “Fish should exude the flavor of brine or the ocean. If you’re tasting the ocean, it’s full of umami because most fish have umami, and that’s normally a great sign. If it’s more fishy-fishy, then it’s about to be rotten.” And if the restaurant itself smells fishy, then it’s time to turn around and find a new sushi spot.

Take a look at the cleanliness of the counters at the restaurant.

It Actually Shouldn’t Be Cold

You may think a cold piece of fish means it’s being properly refrigerated, but it’s a big sign the sushi chef isn’t a pro. Eguchi said, “Good sushi is served at a warm, human-touch temperature.” If there is a mismatch in temperature between the rice and the sushi, that’s how you know the chef’s sushi skills may not be up to par.

Always Judge The Display Case

Perusing the clear display case stocked with fish is part of the fun of going out for sushi. But chefs urge you to take a good long look at the products inside to decide the freshness and quality of what’s being served. “A well-organized display case and fresh-looking fish with a natural sheen are good signs,” Eguchi said. If the display case is left open for long periods or looks messy, it’s a sign the chef may not be taking hygiene and organization seriously.

Check Out The Actual Restaurant

The cleanliness of the actual restaurant was another unanimous must from the sushi chefs we spoke to. “Restaurant cleanness is definitely among the most important aspects when ordering sushi. It shows the chef values the condition of his restaurant and the quality of the dining experience for guests,” said chef Masa Shimakawa at Soko in Santa Monica, California.

Eguchi added, “When I’m checking out a sushi place, I pay attention to a couple of things. First, how clean is the counter? And what about the chef’s hygiene? If the chef is constantly wiping their hands, I feel much better about the food.” No one wants food poisoning or, worse, a trip to the hospital.

Top Ordering Tips

We’ve shared a lot of red flags and “don’ts,” but our experts have plenty of “do’s” for picking the best type of fish next time you’re out for sushi. Eguchi’s go-to is maguro (lean tuna) because it’s simple yet fundamental. He said, “Freshness and handling directly affect the taste.”

Tuna is also a favorite of Shimakawa. “I love to order different cuts of tuna, as this is a great indicator of the quality of a restaurant. A good sushi restaurant always has high-quality tuna available,” he insisted.

Ikeuchi recommends trying kohada, a small silver-finned fish. “It has a really rich flavor and is also a great way to see a chef’s skill level. It has a lengthy preparation process, including a marinating period in vinegar, and can be difficult to execute well,” he said.

When Hamaya orders sushi, he switches between a classic tuna nigiri and mackerel or sardines because “sushi chefs always cure them,” he said. “In order for them to cure it correctly, some sort of technique is required. The way chefs cure is different from chef to chef, and I can tell by eating their mackerel or sardines just how great their culinary technique is.”

Adults can sleep with stuffed animals, too. It might even be a good thing, experts say

Max Genecov is a doctoral candidate in clinical psychology at the University of Pennsylvania, a dad, and a stuffed animal owner.

“I’ve always had them growing up, I had a big fantasy life with them (as a child),” he said. “I just think that they’re nice things you have.”

He has a plush racoon from his childhood, crochets them when friends or family have babies, and still sometimes hugs a stuffed animal or uses one as a pillow when he sleeps, he said.

It might sound unusual, but when you think about it –– is it really?

Plush sales grew over the Covid-19 pandemic, and in 2024, 21% of plush toys were sold to adults over 18, according to Juli Lennett, US toys industry adviser at Circana, a market research and technology company in Chicago.

Stuffed animals “struck a chord with young adults and adults as a means to entertain, collect, and provide comfort during the pandemic,” she said in an email.

Build-A-Bear even has an entire section of its website dedicated to products for grown-ups. A survey the company commissioned found that more than half of people held on to a childhood stuffed animal, and about 40% said they sleep with a plush toy.

“I wonder if people are seeking more comfort in the face of uncertainty,” said Dr. Jade Wu, a sleep psychologist and founder of Thrive Sleep Clinic in Durham, North Carolina. And for people living on their own, it could be nice to have something to cuddle with at night, she added.

There is nothing wrong with having a stuffed animal as an adult or using one to sleep better, experts said. In fact, there are a lot of positives to it.

Many people have held onto their stuffed animals from childhood, and many people have bought new ones in adulthood, data shows.
Many people have held onto their stuffed animals from childhood, and many people have bought new ones in adulthood, data shows.

Stuffed animals are for anyone

As a mental health therapist in Seattle, Dr. Jessica Lamar uses stuffed animals with adults who are working through trauma, she said.

They go to Build-A-Bear and make a bear to represent their inner child or a younger version of themselves so they can heal trauma from childhood, she said.

Patients giving the bears the comfort, connection and compassion they might not have gotten enough of as a child can be very helpful, Lamar added.

But stuffed animals aren’t just for people working through trauma. Anyone can benefit from the gentleness, softness and self-soothing that a cute, plush object can bring, Genecov said.

Lamar agreed, noting that a stuffed animal you’ve had since childhood can provide nostalgia, a connection to family or friends you are far from, and a touchpoint for pleasant memories.

“It can be very cozy, relaxing and nice,” Wu said. “There’s no reason why adults can’t have the benefits of that kids get.”

It’s not immature to cuddle with a stuffie

But that is the problem –– stuffed animals are for kids, you might be thinking.

“If we think about it from the lens of being like a healthy, balanced adult, I actually think it’s really helpful to say, ‘Hey, I am this adult who’s in college, and I still have this healthy attachment to my childhood,’” Lamar said. “It’s really wonderful to be able to say, ‘This is a part of my child self that I want to stay connected to.’”

Maybe there would be an issue if someone became severely distressed or unable to sleep when they were separated from their stuffed animal, Lamar said. It could also be a problem if people used their stuffed animals to avoid other issues, said Dr. Barbara Greenberg, a clinical psychologist in Weston, Connecticut.

But both said they haven’t seen that become an issue.

In fact, using a stuffed animal to feel better could be good modeling to the kids in your life, Greenberg said.

“This is one of the ways to self soothe. We take something like an animal into our bed; it’s comforting,’” she said. “That’s one of the things you have to teach kids when they’re young, how to self-regulate, how to self soothe.”

Especially important is to let boys keep their stuffed animals –– they need self-soothing too, Greenberg said.

A sleep buddy

A stuffed animal in your bed at night might be meeting evolutionary needs, Wu said.

“We evolved to live in tribes and to have a village,” she said. “We sleep the best when we feel safe, so when we’re feeling vulnerable … then we want that bodily contact.

“Social sleeping makes us feel more safe and sleep better. So, a stuffed animal may be sort of a good alternative to having someone else sleeping in your bed.”

Even over the course of a life, it makes sense to need contact when you sleep, Lamar added. The womb is a very safe space; then as babies, humans are swaddled to sleep, she said.

“As we get older, that obviously becomes less of a need, but that need is still there,” Lamar said.

Some stuffed animals are even weighted to provide a little extra pressure when you snuggle up.

“There is some research showing that weighted blankets, at least, can help to calm the mind and body,” Wu said. “I could definitely see a weight of stuffed animals serving a similar function as a weighted blanket in that way.”

If nothing else, stuffed animals can help with better sleep by providing a signal to the brain that it is time to wind down, Wu added.

“The feeling of it, the smell of it, the sight of it, can be associated with sleep, and so helps to signal that you know sleep is coming,” she said.

However you use your favorite stuffed animal –– displayed on a shelf, tucked in a closet or ready for you in bed at night –– it is great if it can be a way to get better sleep, Greenberg said.

“If it helps you with stress, it’s a much better alternative than taking a tranquilizer or drinking a glass of wine. It hurts nobody,” she said.

I went to hospital and had to wait 16 hours for surgery – when I woke up I realised they had amputated my leg

A young woman who went into A&E crying woke up to discover her leg had been amputated after she waited 16 hours for surgery.

Molly Harbron, 26, said she was in ‘a lot of pain’ as she made her way to Dewsbury and District Hospital in West Yorkshire.

The former carer’s foot and leg were left numb and discoloured by blood clots and she knew ‘something wasn’t right’.

But Ms Harbron has now been handed a six-figure payout as doctors admitted they probably wouldn’t have had to chop her leg off if she’d had surgery by 9pm the same day.

The then-22-year-old made her way to A&E complaining of a numb and cold left leg and discoloured foot at 11.30am on April 25, 2020.

Medics suspected deep vein thrombosis, or a blood clot in a vein – but failed to carry out adequate tests.

Just over a day later, Ms Harbron woke up from surgery to discover the amputation.

She said: ‘I was in a lot of pain, I knew something wasn’t right.

Molly Harbron post-amputation. Hospital staff admitted Ms Harbron probably would have avoided having her leg amputated if she'd had surgery by 9pm same day

Molly Harbron post-amputation. Hospital staff admitted Ms Harbron probably would have avoided having her leg amputated if she’d had surgery by 9pm same day

‘I was crying to my mum and asked her to take me to the hospital. All I remember was there being a delay and then waking up from surgery.

‘When I was woken up the surgeon showed me they had amputated my leg. However, I didn’t really believe them as I could still feel my leg.

‘When the realisation dawned on me I just broke down and cried.

‘Before my amputation, life was great. I was really active, I went running three times a week and had a physically demanding job which I loved.

‘But then it felt like life wasn’t worth living with one leg. I couldn’t come to terms with the fact I had lost a leg and I needed to take it further because I didn’t want it to happen to anyone else.’

Hospital staff admitted Ms Harbron probably would have avoided having her leg amputated if she’d had surgery by 9pm same day.

Instead, her surgery was delayed until 1.30pm the following day – and doctors were unable to restore blood flow to her leg.

She had to spend a further 18 days in hospital following the amputation, which led to her quitting her job as a carer.

Molly Harbron before her leg amputation. She said: 'Before my amputation, life was great. I was really active, I went running three times a week and had a physically demanding job which I loved'

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Molly Harbron before her leg amputation. She said: ‘Before my amputation, life was great. I was really active, I went running three times a week and had a physically demanding job which I loved’

Ms Harbron needed to be carried up and down the stairs to her first floor flat each day, as she was unable to make the trip on her own.

She instructed medical negligence lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate her care under Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust, which admitted a breach of duty.

A month after leaving hospital, she met her partner Daniel.

The couple has since married, and she was able to walk down the aisle through the use of a prosthetic leg.

However, Ms Harbron said the prosthetic was not designed for her body and felt uncomfortable to wear.

Now, as part of a six-figure interim payout, the former carer has moved to a bungalow and started using a specially designed privately-funded prosthesis.

She said: ‘The first prosthetic I had from the NHS was very uncomfortable. I could only wear it for an hour max.

‘However, the new prosthetic fits to me. It helps me walk more smoothly.

Lawyers are now working on getting Ms Harbron a final compensation package to pay for life-time support, physiotherapy, and upkeep of her prosthetic

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Lawyers are now working on getting Ms Harbron a final compensation package to pay for life-time support, physiotherapy, and upkeep of her prosthetic

‘I can walk downstairs, go to the shops, drive and I’m hoping to run one day. It’s changed my life so much and I feel like a normal person again.

‘I never imagined I’d have the life I have now. I have a brilliant husband, an amazing family; I never imagined that was possible.

‘I thought my life was going to be me stuck in a wheelchair, until I realised I can do anything I put my mind to.

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‘By sharing my story I hope I can not only help others who may be struggling with going through something similar but also improve care.

‘What happened to me could have been avoided so I want to try and prevent it happening to someone else.’

Lawyers are now working on getting Ms Harbron a final compensation package to pay for life-time support, physiotherapy, and upkeep of her prosthetic.

Ashlee Coates, the expert medical negligence lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing her said: ‘Through our work we too often see how failings connected to inadequate assessments and delays can lead to significant injuries.

‘Molly’s case vividly highlights the life-changing repercussions patients can be left to face.

‘Molly has faced an incredibly difficult time attempting to come to terms with the physical and psychological impact of her losing her leg. However, she’s always remained determined to make the best recovery possible.

‘We knew the priority for Molly was ensuring she had a suitable home to live in and access to the specialist support she required.

‘The part payment of compensation has allowed this to happen. The progress in her rehabilitation has been phenomenal and Molly is now working towards the life she wanted.

‘Although her story is a stark reminder of the need to uphold the highest standards of patient safety, it also highlights how, through early access to rehab, people can start to flourish after losing a limb.’

Stop hounding me you big ape! The unlikely friendship between an orangutan and a dog

They make an unlikely duo. But after meeting at a reserve for endangered animals, Suryia the orangutan and Roscoe the Bluetick hound have become inseparable.

And now the pals have released a picture book capturing their unorthodox friendship.

The best friends were besieged by young fans as they held their own signing for the new release at a bookstore in Georgetown, South Carolina.

Best of friends: Suryia the Orangutan and Roscoe the dog at their book signing

Smile for the camera: But I do wonder if Cheetah and Rin Tin Tin got bored with book signings too?

Smile for the camera: But I do wonder if Cheetah and Rin Tin Tin got bored with book signings too?

Pooling their talents: Is that the doggie-paddle you're doing, Roscoe?
The beast of friends: Of course I love you, but just don't try any monkey business...

Pooling their talents: Roscoe gets a helping hand for the doggie paddle while the pair are clearly in love

A proper nana: Actually, I'd prefer something with a bit more pedigree, chum

A proper nana: Actually, I’d prefer something with a bit more pedigree, chum

Entitled Suryia And Roscoe, the book shows the pair enjoying each other’s company at the South Carolina wildlife reserve where they met.

Just hanging around: The king of the swingers up a tree alongside orangutan's best friend

Just hanging around: The king of the swingers up a tree alongside orangutan’s best friend

In one photo, a stubborn Roscoe refuses to eat a banana offered by his friend.

Another shows Suryia in a life jacket closely watching over Roscoe as he goes for a doggie-paddle.

And, as if posing for holiday snaps, they are also captured taking walks through the gardens and posing in front of an elephant.

The friends have garnered worldwide media attention, appearing in the National Geographic magazine and on the Oprah Winfrey and Ellen DeGeneres shows in the U.S.

They met four years ago when Roscoe followed staff from The Institute of Greatly Endangered and Rare Species (TIGERS) in Myrtle Beach as they walked home.

He was immediately spotted by the orangutan, who ambled over to make friends.

Dr Bhagavan Antle, the reserve’s founder, said: ‘Roscoe looked really thin and a little lost so we fed him and took care of him.

‘He followed us through the gate and ran over and found Suryia. As soon as he saw Roscoe, Suryia ran over to him and they started playing.

‘Dogs are usually scared of primates, but they took to each other straight away. We made a few calls to see if he belonged to anyone and when no one came forward, Roscoe ended up staying.’

Loyal dog attends mass every day at church where owner’s funeral was held, waiting for her to return

A heartbroken dog whose owner died two months ago is missing her so much he is attending services at the Italian church where her funeral was held patiently waiting for her to return.

Loyal Tommy, a seven-year-old German Shepherd, belonged to Maria Margherita Lochi, 57, and had been her faithful companion after she adopted him when she found him abandoned in fields close to her home.       

Mrs Lochi adopted several strays she found but friends said she developed a particular close affection for Tommy and would walk to church with him from her home every day – where the priest would allow him to sit patiently by her feet.

Pining: Tommy the German Shepherd waits faithfully during Mass at the church where his owner Maria Margherita Lochi's funeral was held

Pining: Tommy the German Shepherd waits faithfully during Mass at the church where his owner Maria Margherita Lochi’s funeral was held

Following her death at San Donaci near Brindisi, a funeral service was held at which Tommy joined mourners and since then he has been a regular at the church arriving on time when the bells ring out to mark the start of services.

Father Donato Panna said:”He’s there every time I celebrate Mass and is very well behaved – he doesn’t make a sound, I’ve not heard one bark from him in all the time he has been coming in.

He used to come to Mass with Maria and he was obviously devoted to her – I let him stay inside as he was always so well behaved and none of the other parishoners ever complained to me.

‘He’s still coming to Mass even after Maria’s funeral, he waits patiently by the side of the altar and just sits there quietly. I didn’t have the heart to throw him out – I’ve just recently lost my own dog so I leave him there until Mass finishes and then I let him out.

Sad: Heartbroken Tommy, a seven year old German shepherd, had been adopted by Maria Margherita Lochi, 57, after she found him wandering fields behind her house in San Donaci near Brindisi, Italy

Sad: Heartbroken Tommy, a seven year old German shepherd, had been adopted by Maria Margherita Lochi, 57, after she found him wandering fields behind her house in San Donaci near Brindisi, Italy

Routine: Tommy and Maria would walk to church together every day - where the priest would allow him to sit patiently by her feet

Routine: Tommy and Maria would walk to church together every day – where the priest would allow him to sit patiently by her feet

‘Tommy’s been adopted by everyone in the village now and he is everybody’s friend. Everyone looks out for him and leaves food for him – although it would be nice to find a proper home for him.’

The story of Tommy is similar to the 2009 Hollywood blockbuster Hachi starring Richard Gere which told of how a faithful Akita dog waits patiently for his master after he also dies.

It was based on the true story of a Japanese Akita called Hachiko, whose owner died in 1925 but for the next nine years he waited patiently at a railway station for his owner from where they regularly caught a train.

A dog passed away after eating something commonly found at home – The owner is warning others.

Samantha Carress lost her beloved Golden Retriever, Luna, and is now warning other dog owners about a hidden danger found in many homes.

Most dog owners know that sweets and chocolate can be harmful to dogs. Sugar can damage their teeth, and chocolate contains substances that can make dogs very sick, causing vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, or even death if eaten in large amounts.

Samantha was aware of these dangers, but she didn’t realize that another common ingredient, which Luna accidentally ate, could be just as deadly.

Luna found a pack of lemon-flavored chewing gum and ate it.

Unfortunately, most sugar-free gum contains Xylitol, a sweetener that is very dangerous for dogs.

Just a few hours after eating the gum, Luna’s liver started to fail. Sadly, by the time Samantha realized what was wrong, it was too late to save her.

Samantha was heartbroken because she knew Luna’s death could have been prevented if she had known about the dangers of the gum.

Now, she is warning dog owners to check labels and keep their  pets away from anything that contains Xylitol. Even a small amount of this sweetener can cause liver failure in dogs.

Some common household items that contain Xylitol include sugar-free gum, peanut butter, baked goods, candies, drink powders, ketchup, and BBQ sauce.

Luna isn’t the first dog to die from Xylitol poisoning. In fact, cases of Xylitol poisoning have increased by 3,000% over the past ten years.

After Luna ate the gum and started feeling sick, Samantha and her husband rushed her to the vet. They were told that the only way to save her was an emergency liver transplant, which would cost $20,000.

Sadly, Samantha had to say goodbye to her beloved dog.

She urges all dog owners to be extra careful and watch out for hidden dangers.

Please share this story with your family and friends to help spread awareness.

Parents forced to pull plug on daughter following sleepover horror

Ally Langdon of Australia couldn’t conceal the anguish she felt within as she met with a mother and father who were forced to make the difficult decision to end the life of their 13-year-old daughter.

The young girl died as a result of a viral fad known as chroming, and Langdon, a mother, battled to hold back her emotions.

Appearing on A Current Affair with host Ally Langdon, Andrea and Paul Haynes revealed their tale of how their 13-year-old daughter Esra Haynes died after following a social media craze called chroming, that involves breathing poisonous chemicals via the mouth or nose to become euphoric.

As a young athlete, Esra competed in BMX bike races alongside her brothers and guided her team to a national aerobics championship in Queensland. The Montrose Football Netball Club, where she co-captained, described her as “determined, fun, cheeky, and talented.”

During a stay at a friend’s house on March 31, Esra sniffed a can of spray deodorant for a deadly high and suffered irreversible brain damage after going into cardiac arrest.

According to her mother Andrea, “it was just the regular routine of going to hang out with her mates,” Langdon said.

Her father, Paul, explained, “We always knew where she was and who she was with.  The situation was not unusual. To get this phone call at that time of night, (it) was one of the calls no parent ever wants to have, and we regrettably received the call: ‘Come and collect your daughter.’”

Langdon notes that Esra’s companions assumed she was having a panic attack, “but after inhaling deodorant, her body was actually starting to shut down, she was in cardiac arrest, and no one at the sleepover used cardiac arrest.”

When Andrea arrived at Esra’s side, paramedics were attempting to resuscitate her and informed her that her daughter had been chroming, something she had never heard of before to that point.

Esra was rushed to the hospital, with the hope that their newborn girl would recover.  After all, her heart and lungs were robust, so perhaps she might make it through.

After eight days on life support, Paul and Andrea were informed that Esra’s brain had been injured “beyond repair,” and they had to make the decision to switch off the machine.

Her parents struggled with their words and relived their darkest day as they described the sorrow of taking their daughter’s life.

When asked to invite relatives and friends to the hospital for their final goodbyes, Esra’s father said, “It was a very, very tough thing to do to such a young soul. She was placed on a bed so we could lie with her.  “We cuddled her till the end.”

Langdon, a mother of two small children, was overwhelmed by the parents’ grief and burst into tears.

The bereaved siblings of a Year 8 girl who died from chroming believe their purpose is now to prevent others from suffering the same fate. Esra Haynes, a Don Valley adolescent, had cardiac arrest after inhaling deodorant. #9News | WATCH LIVE 6PM

Published by 9 News on Wednesday, April 12, 2023.

Esra died in early April, and Paul claims the family is absolutely “broken,” with Esra’s siblings, Imogen, Seth, and Charlie, being “shattered.”

“It was really devastating, devastating for everyone involved, all her friends as well,” Paul told me.  “It’s been the most terrible, horrific experience any parent could have.  We haven’t been sleeping, eating, or smiling—we’re not ourselves… But it has touched not just us, but also the community.”

Paul and his wife, who had never heard of chroming before it murdered their daughter, are on a mission to raise awareness about the fatal viral craze easily performed with store-bought materials like deodorant, paint, chair-spray or even permanent markers–that is becoming increasingly popular among teenagers.

Speaking to a local news station, Paul expressed his desire that he had been aware about chroming during the time Esra was still alive in order to have alerted her to the risks:  “We would have definitely had the conversation around our kitchen table if we had been informed and the word had gotten out.”

“In order to give these kids the best advice right away, we need to step it up and let them learn the information directly from the source—not through friends or social media.”

Paul intends to educate parents so that they can educate their kids and, ideally, save their lives and their children.

“(Parents) should sit down and talk to their children, starting the conversation softly.  “We didn’t know what was going on.”

Since 2009, the disturbing practice of chroming has caused the deaths of several youngsters in Australia and throughout the world.

Chroming, which may cause seizures, heart attacks, asphyxia, abrupt smelling death, coma, and organ failure, is appealing to young people because it provides an instant short-term high.

“We’ve got the pictures in our mind which will never be vanished you know, of what we were confronted with,” says Paul to Langdon.  “Our gut was ripped out.”

We can’t image how difficult it is for a family to make the decision to take their young kid off life support.  Our hearts go out to the Haynes family and all the loved ones Esra has left behind.

Share this story with everyone you know, and help parents save their children’s lives by teaching them about the risks of this deadly trend.

My husband insisted on having a third child. After I gave him my answer, he threw me out, but I found a way to get back at him.

When my husband, Eric, said he wanted a third child, I knew something had to change. Taking care of two kids, working, and managing the house was already exhausting, and he hardly helped with anything besides earning money. I wasn’t going to take on more while he sat around doing nothing.

When I told him how I felt, things got worse quickly.

We had been married for 12 years, and at 32, I was already overwhelmed raising our two kids, Lily (10) and Brandon (5), mostly by myself.

I worked part-time from home and handled everything at home, but Eric thought that just because he made money, he didn’t have to do anything else. Changing diapers, taking the kids to school, bedtime stories, and staying up with them when they were sick—all my responsibility. Meanwhile, he spent his free time watching TV or playing video games.

One day, after being completely exhausted, I finally took an hour to have coffee with my best friend. I asked Eric to watch the kids, and his response made me furious.

“I’m tired. I’ve been working all week. Just take them with you,” Eric mumbled, his eyes still on the screen.

I pushed back. “Eric, I just need an hour to myself.”

His response shocked me. “You’re the mom. Moms don’t get breaks. My mom never needed one, and neither did my sister.”

At that moment, I realized I had reached my limit.

A few days later, during dinner, Eric casually dropped a bombshell. “We should have another baby.”

I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. “Another one? Eric, I’m already overwhelmed with two, and you want to add more?”

He brushed it off like it was nothing. “We’ve done it before. What’s the big deal?”

I laid it out clearly. “The big deal is that I do everything. You don’t help. I’m exhausted.”

As expected, Eric didn’t take me seriously. His mom, Brianna, and his sister, Amber, who were visiting, overheard our conversation. Instead of supporting me, they immediately took his side.

“Eric works hard to provide for this family,” Brianna said with a judgmental tone. “You should be grateful.”

Amber jumped in, “You’re being spoiled. Mom raised both of us without complaining.”

Their old-fashioned way of thinking made me furious. “Grateful for what? A husband who thinks being a dad ends after making a baby? Raising kids isn’t a one-person job, and saying that doesn’t make me ungrateful—it makes me honest.”

But Eric and his family refused to listen. They acted like my exhaustion was just me being dramatic. Later that evening, Eric brought up having a third child again. His attitude only confirmed what I already knew—he wasn’t going to change.

When I refused, he lost it. “Pack your things and leave. I can’t live like this.”

I was shocked but stayed calm. If he wanted me gone, I’d go—but I made one thing clear. “The kids stay here. Whoever stays in this house takes care of them.”

Eric’s face went pale. “Wait… what? No way.”

“You heard me,” I said firmly. “You want me out? Fine. But the kids need stability, and they’re not going anywhere.”

That night, I left with my sister, standing up for myself and my children. Eric called later, but I had already made my decision. His anger and threats only made me more certain—I was done.

In the end, Eric couldn’t handle taking care of the kids on his own. I filed for divorce, got full custody, and kept the house. Now, Eric pays child support, but I’m still the only one raising them.

Looking back, I don’t regret standing up for myself. It was tough, but I’m proud to show my kids that self-respect is important.

What do you think? Did I do the right thing, or should I have handled it differently?

I gave birth, lost a leg, and battled cancer in half a year

6 months ago, I was designing a nursery and deciding whether to use cloth or disposable nappies. I had no idea my entire life was going to turn upside down—twice.
It began with a dull pain in my thigh. I suspected it was pregnancy-related, maybe a pinched nerve or sciatica. But things grew worse.

After my daughter, Liora, was born, I pushed through it because I wanted to cherish every minute with her. I was enamoured with the fragrance of newborns and their tiny fingers. But the anguish intensified. One morning, I couldn’t bear to rock her.

I eventually went in for a scan. The doctor entered with that expression. The one who says, “This isn’t going to be easy.” It was an uncommon kind of soft tissue cancer, aggressive and spreading quickly. I recall grabbing the side of the hospital bed and thinking, “I just had a baby.” I do not have time for cancer.

Chemo began immediately. My milk has dried up. I had to give Liora to my mother most nights since I could not stop vomiting. The tumour eventually grew into my femur. They stated amputation would offer me a greater chance. I signed the documents without sobbing; I didn’t want anyone to feel sorry for me. I awoke from surgery with one leg and a weight of shame. I could not bear my daughter. I couldn’t chase her after she learnt to crawl. I couldn’t wear the outfit I purchased for her naming ceremony.

But I am still here.

It was 3 weeks ago. I’ve begun physiotherapy. Liora is teething. And this morning, I discovered something in my medical file that I shouldn’t have seen. Something about a scan that they never informed me about. I’m not sure if they’re suppressing the truth or if I’ll have to fight again.

I walked my little living room, leaning on crutches with the scary scan paper in my palm. My heart felt like it was pulsing in my throat. I wanted to call my doctor straight away, but I was hesitant—what if there was an error? The report was filled of medical jargon, but one phrase stuck out: “suspicious lesion in the right lung.” I didn’t recall anyone mentioning my lungs. My whole emphasis had been on my leg.
Finally, I called my oncologist’s office. They closed for the day. My next appointment was the following week, but I couldn’t wait that long. My belly churned with the idea that the cancer had spread.

The next days were a whirl of restless nights and attempts at normalcy. Liora’s brilliant eyes and drooly grin were the only things that kept me grounded. I held her close while feeding her and stroked my nose against her soft cheek to calm my rushing thoughts. When I fell from physical and mental weariness, Mum stepped in to provide late-night feeds. I knew she was worried, too. She kept asking whether I was all right, and I pretended I was. I didn’t want to add any more stress to our already crazy lives.

When my appointment day arrived, I felt as if I were stepping into a courtroom. Every hallway in the hospital reverberated with recollections of chemo, amputation, and the sinking dread I’d felt for months. I could almost smell the antiseptic that had been about me for so long. This time, however, I wheeled my wheelchair to my oncologist’s office since my stump was too uncomfortable after a recent session of physical therapy to use crutches for such a long distance.

My oncologist, Dr. Armitage, greeted me with the same serious yet compassionate smile. I did not even wait for short conversation. “I discovered a letter describing a worrisome tumour in my right lung. Is it cancerous? “Why didn’t someone tell me?”
He sighed, appearing really sorry. “I wanted to confirm the results before upsetting you.

The word “malignant” struck me like an avalanche, but I pushed myself to remain calm. At least I knew the truth now. Another scan was scheduled for the following week, with a biopsy if necessary.
The next three days seemed strange. I tried to keep up with Liora’s schedule, but every time she grinned or held out her arms, I wondered if I’d be well enough to see her grow. My thoughts spiralled into dark depths. To cope, I immersed myself in physical therapy, trying to master my new prosthetic limb.

At the rehabilitation centre, I met a woman named Saoirse. She had lost her leg in a vehicle accident years before. She appeared calm and controlled, the complete antithesis of my inner turmoil. She taught me minor methods for improved balance, pivoting without toppling over, and overcoming the phantom aches that kept me up at night. She also recounted her tale, revealing that she was more than simply a trauma survivor; she was a single mother raising her kid after losing her husband to a stroke. Listening to her tale gave me strength. She’d been through more pain than most people could understand, and here she was, inspiring me to fight for my future.
“Keep your heart open,” she instructed me one afternoon as we practiced walking in a mirrored room. People will surprise you with their kindness. And so will you, once you realise your true strength.”
I took that counsel to heart.

A week later, the day for my fresh scan arrived. My mother took me to the hospital, and we both remained silent throughout the journey. We had previously gone over every imaginable situation a dozen times. This was it—the final piece of the jigsaw that would determine whether I needed extra therapy or whether I could continue to mend my body as is.

Liora was with my aunt, who had come to stay for a few days to help. In the waiting area, I felt as if all the walls were closing in. The scent of antiseptic irritated my nose, and the machinery surrounding me seemed louder than normal. I went to my mother and told her, “I am not ready for another round of chemotherapy. “I’m not sure if my body can handle it.”
She held my hand and said, “Whatever happens, we’ll make it through together.”

Finally, I received a call. The scan was finished quickly, but the wait for the results felt like an eternity. Dr. Armitage walked in with a folder. His expression was unreadable. I tried to prepare for the worst.

He exclaimed, “Good news,” and I believe my breath seized in my chest. “The lesion looks to be stable, and we believe it is benign. We will continue to examine it, but it does not appear that cancer has spread.”
I wasn’t sure whether to cry or laugh. I went for a combination of the two—tears flowing down my cheeks, a trembling grin splitting my cheeks. Mum hugged me so tightly that it felt like she would never let go. My whole body trembled, yet relief washed over me like a warm blanket on a chilly night.

In the weeks that followed, I focused my attention on becoming stronger, both for myself and for Liora.My new prosthetic limb was difficult, but every stride felt like recovering a piece of my life. I got up early for light stretching, which helped with the phantom discomfort. I discovered that rubbing the stump before bed relieved nocturnal agony, and as I improved my manoeuvring skills, I felt secure enough to carry Liora in my arms while standing, something I hadn’t done since before the operation.

The more I practiced, I realised I wasn’t simply becoming better physically. My spirit felt lighter. The heavy veil of continual anxiety began to dissipate. Yes, there was still a chance I’d require more scans and tests. But it was part of my new reality: living with the awareness that cancer may always be lurking in the background but nevertheless choosing to move on.
One morning, while I was cautiously walking around the living room with Liora in my arms, she gave the nicest laugh. She reached up and caressed my face with her small palm, and I saw she didn’t care about my scars, prosthetics, or the fact that I was exhausted faster than usual. She only wanted me.

We held a small gathering to commemorate this new chapter—a short “victory” celebration, if you will. My mother cooked a vanilla cake with vivid pink icing. A couple childhood friends stopped over with flowers and balloons, as did my physical therapist and Saoirse. We lifted our glasses (mainly filled with lemonade) in a modest toast to survival, perseverance, and the little things we sometimes take for granted.

That evening, as I put Liora into her cot, I looked at her tranquil face and reflected on how far we’d come in just half a year. The nursery walls, formerly painted with pink elephants and rainbows, now appeared to represent the entire voyage. Life had thrown me upside down several times, yet I was still standing—literally and figuratively—with my kid in my arms.

Sometimes we don’t get to select the fights we fight. When things spin out of hand, we don’t have the option of hitting pause. But we do get to choose how we respond. Some days, I wanted to hide beneath the blankets and cry till I couldn’t breathe. Yet every time I glanced at Liora’s face, I found a cause to keep going.

If there is one thing I hope everyone takes away from this narrative, it is that life can change on a dime. Nobody can expect an easy route. Even if you lose a bit of yourself—a limb, your health, even your peace of mind—you can still go on. It might be via the support of family, a stranger who becomes a friend, or the steadfast love in your child’s eyes.

Never underestimate the power of resolve, and never allow your circumstances to define you. We are all more resilient than we realise. Whether you’re dealing with a health crisis, a loss, or any huge challenge, remember that you have the power to keep going. You might be surprised at what you can overcome.

Thanks for reading my story. If it touched your heart, please share it with someone who might use a little hope. And if it inspired you to believe in your own strength a bit more, please like and share. Life might be unpredictable, but we can remind each other that there is always cause to hope—and that love can overcome any challenge.

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