We’ve all faced that moment of uncertainty, staring at a jar of salsa or a loaf of bread that’s been sitting in the fridge a bit too long. It looks fine, it smells okay, but the date on the packaging has come and gone. Should you risk it or toss it? The confusion surrounding food expiration dates leads to vast amounts of unnecessary food waste every year. In North America alone, millions of pounds of perfectly edible food are discarded because of misunderstood labeling. Let’s break down the confusion and clarify when expired food is safe to eat and when it’s not.
Understanding Food Labels: Best Before, Use By, and Sell By Dates
Best Before / Best If Used By
Contrary to popular belief, “Best Before” and “Best If Used By” dates are about food quality, not safety. These dates indicate the period during which the product is at its peak flavor and texture. After these dates, the food might not taste as good, but it doesn’t mean it’s unsafe to consume. Manufacturers use these dates to guide consumers on when the product is freshest.
Sell By
The “Sell By” date is a guideline for retailers, not consumers. It suggests the last day the product should be sold to ensure peak quality for a reasonable time after purchase. For example, dairy products like milk should be sold a few days before their “Sell By” date to ensure they remain fresh for some time after buying.
Use By
“Use By” dates are about quality assurance from the manufacturer, indicating when the product will no longer meet their quality standards. It’s crucial to note that these dates do not always mean the food will be unsafe to eat after that date, but the quality may decline.
When to Actually Throw Food Away: Safety Tips for Expired Foods
Beyond the dates on packaging, knowing when food is genuinely unsafe is key to preventing foodborne illnesses. Here are practical tips to help you determine whether to keep or discard food:
Canned Goods
Most canned foods can last between two to five years if stored properly. However, cans with dents, bulges, or rust should be discarded immediately. A dent may mean a puncture allowing bacteria in, and a bulge often indicates bacterial contamination.
Dried Goods
Rice, beans, lentils, and grains can last indefinitely if kept in a cool, dry place. Always inspect for signs of pests or contamination before use. If the packaging is compromised, discard the contents.
Moldy Foods
Mold is a clear indicator that food should be discarded. For soft foods like bread, fruits, vegetables, and dairy, mold can spread rapidly and invisibly through the entire product. If you see mold on a slice of bread or a few berries, it’s safest to throw away the whole item.
Eggs
Eggs can be kept in the fridge for up to five weeks. If you notice condensation or “sweat” on the shells, it’s a sign they are going bad. Always adhere to the expiration date on the carton, and if in doubt, conduct a simple float test – fresh eggs sink, while bad eggs float.
Meat
Always refrigerate meat and discard it if it has been at room temperature for over two hours. Signs of spoilage include a bad odor, slimy texture, or discoloration. Thawed meat should never be re-frozen. For vacuum-sealed meat, give it a few minutes after opening to see if the initial odor dissipates; if it still smells off, don’t risk it.
Dairy Products
For hard cheeses, you can cut off the mold with a margin of at least an inch around the affected area. However, with other dairy products, including soft cheeses, yogurt, and milk, it’s best to discard them if any mold or off smell is present. Dairy should not be left out of the fridge for more than two hours.
Condiments
Condiments like ketchup, mustard, and sauces often have long shelf lives and can be stored at room temperature for extended periods. However, always check for signs of spoilage, such as mold or off smells. Check the labels for storage recommendations and expiration dates.
Baked Goods
The shelf life of baked goods varies. Moisture-rich items like muffins and cakes spoil faster than cookies. To extend their freshness, consider freezing them. Baked goods can often be stored in the freezer for months without losing quality.
When in Doubt, Throw It Out
Following these guidelines can help you determine the safety of expired foods, but when in doubt, it’s better to err on the side of caution. The health risks associated with consuming spoiled food far outweigh the cost of throwing away questionable items. Protect your health and your family’s well-being by making informed decisions about the food you consume.
By understanding food labeling and knowing the signs of spoilage, you can reduce waste and ensure that your food is safe to eat. Stay informed, stay safe, and make smarter choices about expired food.
