The “Sell by” date on food packaging tells how long the food can stay on shelves, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that’s when it expires. On the other hand, the “Best by” or “Use by” date is something to really pay attention to.
Some foods can be fine well past that date, but others don’t, and consuming them can lead to food poisoning, a trip to the hospital, or worse. Following are some foods you should never consume after they expire.
Baby Formula
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After the date on the label passes, the nutrients inside can lose their effectiveness. While you may not be poisoning the baby, you’re depriving it of essential nutrients.
Hard-Boiled Eggs
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Refrigerated at 40 degrees or colder, raw eggs can last several weeks past their date as long as the shells aren’t cracked. Hard-boiled eggs, though, keep for about a week in their shells and 3-5 days if peeled.
Milk
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Milk can sometimes be okay for a day or two past its date, and bad milk is usually easy to identify by a rancid smell or chunks. Still, it’s not worth the risk, and once the date passes, you should toss it. The same goes for whipping cream and half and half.
Cheese
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Unopened cheese will sometimes last a little after its expiration date, but opened cheese usually goes fast. Often, you’ll spot the mold growing, but it could be growing inside a clump that otherwise looks fine. Don’t take the chance.
Cooking Oil
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You might think this is something that stays good practically forever, but that’s not so. Stored in a cool, dark, and dry place like your pantry, most cooking oils last about 6 months after you open them. After that, they develop a terrible taste.
Prepackaged Lettuce and Salad
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Once opened, these go fast and may not even make it to their expiration dates. Watch for wilted, brown, and slimy pieces. If you see some, there are probably more, and it’s better to toss the whole package in the trash.
Leftovers
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People put leftovers in the fridge and forget about them all the time, later discovering some “science experiments.” Mark leftovers with the date you prepared the food and plan to eat them within 3-4 days.
Canned Food
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A lot of canned food will actually last beyond the expiration date, especially non-meat items. However, if the date has passed and you see rust, dents, or swelling, throw it away.
Deli Meat
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Prepackaged deli meat in airtight containers will last about a week after you open it, and the deli meat you get at the counter lasts 3-4 days typically. Be alert for slimy or smelly pieces, and if you find one, toss them all.
Mayonnaise
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Mayo lasts about two months in the fridge after you open it, so make sure you start using it at least that far ahead of its best-by date. It’s better to spoon it out and then spread it with a knife; using the same knife for both tasks means other contaminants like bread crumbs can get inside the jar, which can make it go bad faster.
Berries
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Berries typically only last 3-5 days even in the fridge, and after that, they go downhill fast. Beyond that expected good period, you’re really risking a very upset stomach even if the berries aren’t moldy or shriveled yet.
Fresh Meat
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Fresh meat is one of the most dangerous foods to eat past its expiration date. The refrigerator slows bacterial growth; it doesn’t prevent it. By the time the expiration date passes, there could be a risk of a serious infection. Bad meat often has a putrid smell, but don’t count on that; just toss it if the use-by date passes.
Experts Warn People to ALWAYS Refrigerate These 12 Non-Food Items
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We all know our fridge and freezer are great for food and beverage preservation, but did you know you could use your fridge for other things beyond your kitchen pantry? You can store multiple things in your refrigerator to maintain potency, extend shelf life, or preserve them. Find out more as we list some of the surprising things you can keep in your refrigerator besides food.
Experts Warn People to ALWAYS Refrigerate These 12 Non-Food Items
20 Food to Stockpile (For the Best Chance of Survival)
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A well-stocked pantry can provide peace of mind and empower you to handle any situation. Whether it’s a natural disaster, economic instability, or simply unexpected guests, having a stash of versatile essential foods can make all the difference. Here’s a list of 20 of the best foods to stockpile, ensuring you’re ready for whatever comes your way.
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