How to Tell Whether Expired Food Is Safe to Eat

On February 16, 2025 By newsroom Topic: Food Guide

Confusion about expiration dates often leads to food waste. While some foods can be safely consumed past their labeled dates, others require caution. Here's a guide to understanding expiration dates, recognizing spoilage, and minimizing waste.

Understanding Expiration Dates

What the Labels Mean:
- "Best By"/"Best If Used By": Indicates peak quality, not safety.
- "Sell By": A guide for retailers; products are still safe to consume after this date.
- "Use By": For perishable items; discard after this date for safety.

Federal Regulations:
- Only baby formula requires federally regulated expiration dates.
- Manufacturers set other dates based on lab tests and taste assessments, often conservatively.

Standardization Efforts:
- Groups like the Grocery Manufacturers Association aim to simplify labels by promoting consistent terms like "Best If Used By" for quality and "Use By" for safety.

Shelf Life by Food Type

Canned Foods:
Low-acid foods (e.g., soups, vegetables): 2–5 years.
High-acid foods (e.g., juices, tomatoes): 12–18 months.
Warning: Discard cans with dents, rust, or bulging lids.
Dry Goods:
Grains and cereals can last long past the date with proper storage.
Perishables (Meat, Dairy, Eggs):
These have shorter shelf lives. Store properly and use smell, taste, and appearance to judge freshness.

How to Identify Spoiled Food

Appearance: Look for mold, discoloration, or slimy textures.
Smell: Spoiled food often emits unpleasant or sour odors.
Taste: A bitter or off taste is a strong sign to discard.
Safety Note: Foodborne illnesses result from contamination, not natural decay.

Storage Tips to Extend Food Life

Refrigeration:
- Keep perishables at 37°F (FDA recommends40°F).
- Discard perishable foods left at room temperature for more than 2 hours (or 1 hour in hot conditions).

Freezing:
- Freeze items before their expiration date to preserve quality and safety.

Avoid Cross-Contamination:
- Use separate cutting boards for raw meats and ready-to-eat foods.

Reducing Food Waste

Plan and Store Smartly:
- Rotate pantry items and use older products first.
- Store foods in airtight containers to maintain freshness.

Use Apps:
- The USDA FoodKeeper app offers guidance on food storage and freshness timelines.

Trust Your Senses:
- Instead of relying solely on dates, use sight, smell, and taste to assess food.

By understanding expiration labels and following proper storage practices, you can reduce waste and safely enjoy more of the food you buy!