Stay Away From This Expired Food
The expiration date stamped on food packaging can be confusing and even sometimes, unnecessarily wasteful.
While it can be helpful, it doesn't always accurately reflect when your food is or isn't still safe to eat. Some foods can be eaten past their expiration date if handled and stored properly, while others pose potential health risks.
Whether you're the type of person that ignores the expiration date or can't bring yourself to look past it, it's important to know which foods are still safe to eat after their best by.
Understanding the Expiration Date
You may have seen different types of expirations dates on foods like milk, bread, meat, yogurt, and more, but you may not know exactly what they mean.
When you're grocery shopping, you want the best quality of food possible and understanding the expiration date on what you're buying can help.
There are three types of expiration dates you likely have seen on your foods. The "Best Buy" or "Best Before" date, the "Sell By" date, and the "Use By" date.
The "Best By" or "Best Before" date indicates when a product is at its peak quality and taste. While it's best to eat or drink the product before this date, it doesn't necessarily mean it's unsafe to eat afterward.
The "Sell By" date is primarily for retailers to help manage their inventory. Products are often safe to eat or drink past this date.
Lastly, the "Use By" date is crucial for perishable items like meat, poultry, and dairy products. Consuming these products after this expiration date can pose a health risk.
Eating Expired Food
While some foods are fine to eat after they're expired, others can make you sick or simply don't taste as good. So, what happens if you eat expired food?
Foodborne illness is the most common risk associated with eating expired food. Bacteria, mold, and other pathogens can multiply quickly, leading to illnesses like salmonella, E. coli, and botulism.
You might experience symptoms ranging from mild gastrointestinal upset to severe complications, particularly in vulnerable populations such as young children, the elderly, and pregnant women.
While expired food might not necessarily be harmful, it can lose its nutritional value. Vitamins and minerals may degrade, reducing the food's overall health benefits.
Expired food can experience changes in taste, texture, and appearance. While not necessarily dangerous, these changes can make the food unpalatable.
Expired Food to Toss After Expiration
Some expired food carry a higher risk of spoiling and should be thrown out once their expiration date has passed.
Meat and Poultry: These products are highly perishable and can grow harmful bacteria. Eating meat or poultry after the "use by" date is risky.
Dairy Products: Milk, cheese, yogurt, and other dairy items are susceptible to bacterial growth. Consuming them past their expiration date can give you a foodborne illness.
Eggs: While eggs can sometimes be safe to eat after the expiration date, it's best to err on the side of caution and throw them out if they look cracked, broken, or smell bad.
Seafood: Fish and shellfish are particularly prone to spoilage due to their high moisture content. Eating seafood past its expiration date can lead to serious health risks.
Deli Meats and Lunches: These products can contain harmful bacteria, especially if they've been improperly stored or left out at room temperature.
Expired Food That Might Be Okay
While it's important to be cautious, some foods can often be safely consumed past their expiration date if they appear and smell fresh.
Canned Goods: Canned foods have a long shelf life due to the sterilization process. However, inspect cans for dents, bulges, or rust before consuming.
Dried Goods: Dried pasta, rice, and grains can be stored in a cool, dry place for months or even years beyond their expiration date.
Jars and Preserves: Properly canned or pickled foods can last for extended periods. However, check for signs of spoilage like bulging lids or unusual odors.
Frozen Foods: Frozen foods can be safely consumed well beyond their "best by" date. However, the quality might decline over time.
Tips for Food Storage
To maximize the shelf life of your food and reduce waste, follow these storage tips.
Store foods in airtight containers or sealed bags to prevent exposure to air and moisture.
Keep perishable foods refrigerated at 40°F (4°C) or below.
Freezing can extend the shelf life of many foods, including meat, poultry, bread, and vegetables.
Use labels to indicate the date when you stored items in the freezer.
Trust Your Senses
Even with expiration dates, your senses remain the best defense against foodborne illness. Always rely on your sight, smell, and taste to determine if a food is safe to consume.
If something looks, smells, or tastes off, throw it out immediately.
By understanding the different types of expiration dates and practicing proper food storage, you can reduce food waste and minimize the risk of foodborne illness. Trust your senses and err on the side of caution when in doubt.