Is it safe to eat expired food?
Quick Answer
Not always
While some expired foods may still be safe to eat, others can pose serious health risks. The safety of expired food depends on the type of food, how it’s been stored, and how far past the expiration date it is.
What Is It?
Expired food refers to food products that have passed their ‘best before’ or ‘use by’ dates indicated on their packaging.
How to Tell
Signs of unsafe expired food may include an off smell, mold, discoloration, or a change in texture.
Why It Can Be Risky
Eating expired food can pose several health risks.
- Food poisoning: Consuming expired food can lead to foodborne illnesses caused by bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli.
- Nutrient loss: Over time, food can lose its nutritional value.
- Taste: Expired food may not taste as good as fresh food.
Safe Method?
If you’re unsure whether a food is safe to eat, it’s best to err on the side of caution and throw it out. Always check for signs of spoilage before eating expired food.
Can You Just Cut It Off?
Perishable foods like meat, dairy, and eggs should never be consumed past their expiration date. Non-perishable items like canned goods may still be safe to eat after their expiration date, but their quality may be diminished.
Safe Alternatives
If you find yourself frequently dealing with expired food, consider meal planning to reduce waste, or buy fresh food in smaller quantities.
Storage Tips
Store food properly to extend its shelf life.’, ‘Keep your refrigerator at the right temperature (below 40°F).’, “Freeze food that you won’t be able to eat in time.”]