Consuming Food Beyond Expiry Dates

By Mayank Taurani

We have all been in situations where we've checked the date on a food item to determine if it's still edible, whether we were deep-cleaning the refrigerator or searching for a snack in the pantry. And when that date indicated the food had passed its prime, we probably tossed it into the garbage without a second thought.

But have you ever wondered what would happen if you ignored the date and ate the expired food anyway? Is it truly as bad as it's made out to be to consume food past its expiration date?

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Those expiration dates, such as "sell by," "use by," and "best if used by," that we find on food items in the fridge and pantry might seem rigid, but they should not be given excessive importance. Often, people discard food solely based on these dates without even tasting it, but these dates mainly refer to food quality rather than safety. Surprisingly, these dates are not determined by the government but are set by manufacturers themselves based on their estimation of when the product will be at its peak quality, a practice that has been in place since the seventies.

Nevertheless, many people tend to avoid eating expired food, fearing that it might make them sick. However, it is unlikely that eating expired food will result in food poisoning. Most cases of food poisoning occur when food is contaminated with harmful bacteria, such as salmonella or listeria, which are likely present in the food at the time of purchase and don't suddenly appear after the expiration date passes.

The main factor affecting a food's safety is the amount of time it spends in the "temperature danger zone" of 4 to 50 degrees Celsius. It is not necessarily the duration the product has been stored beyond its expiration date. Botulism, a rare type of food poisoning caused by improperly sterilized canned foods, may pose a risk but is more associated with DIY canned items.

Nonetheless, it is crucial to exercise caution when dealing with expired food. While it may not make you sick, the taste and quality may have significantly deteriorated. Signs like a strange smell, unusual texture, or change in color are indicators that the food is better off being discarded.

However, some foods might still be okay to consume after their "best by" date:

Pasteurized milk, cheese, and yogurt: These foods, in general, won't go bad since the pasteurization process kills harmful bacteria. While they might not seem as appetizing or smell as good, they won't necessarily make you sick.

Non-perishable foods: These items are generally safe to consume past the date listed on the package if they have been handled properly.

It is essential to rely on your senses and use your tastebuds to guide your decision-making when consuming foods past their expiration dates. Anything that is shelf-stable and has preservatives, like cereal and bread, is likely safe to eat beyond the indicated date.

Nevertheless, it's prudent to observe expiration dates for certain foods. Following some food safety tips can help ensure food remains safe to eat:

Store food properly: Keep raw meat, poultry, and fish separated from other foods to prevent cross-contamination.

Handle food safely: Clean hands and surfaces can reduce the risk of foodborne illness.

Cook food to safe temperatures: Thorough cooking kills harmful bacteria. Be mindful of the recommended internal temperatures for different types of food.

Maximize shelf life: Store pantry items at the appropriate temperatures and in suitable containers. Keep perishable products in the coldest part of the fridge to maximize freshness.

Keep track of storage time: Check how long each type of food can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer using a reference chart.

To sum up, eating food past its expiration date is not as alarming as it may seem. Generally, the dates on food items are about quality, not safety. While it's not advisable to make a habit of consuming expired food, especially certain items like deli meat and unpasteurised dairy products, it's usually not a major risk if you occasionally eat food that is slightly past its date. Following proper food safety guidelines is crucial to ensure that the food we consume is safe and free from contamination.