ADVERTISEMENT
Foodborne illnesses generally occur from improper handling, cooking, or storage (e.g., leaving food at room temperature for too long), not necessarily from consuming products after their expiration dates.
—
### **Do You Really Need to Throw Away Food After the Date?**
It’s a common misconception that food should be thrown away immediately after its “Best By” or “Best Before” date has passed. In many cases, food can still be perfectly fine to eat, especially if it’s been stored properly. Here are some key things to remember:
#### **Canned Goods:**
Canned goods, like soups, vegetables, and beans, can last for years past their “Best By” date if stored in a cool, dry place. The can’s integrity is the most important factor to assess – if the can is not dented, rusted, or swollen, the food inside is generally still safe to consume. It’s always a good idea to give it a quick smell and visual check to ensure there are no signs of spoilage before using it.
#### **Dry Goods:**
Pasta, rice, and grains have a long shelf life and will often remain safe and edible long after their “Best By” dates. The main concern here is the food’s texture and flavor. Over time, the starches in these foods may start to break down, causing slight changes in texture, but they will not become unsafe to eat.
#### **Frozen Foods:**
Frozen foods, such as vegetables and meat, can last indefinitely in the freezer as long as they’ve been stored properly. However, they may lose flavor and texture over time. For the best quality, use frozen items within the recommended time frames, but they won’t necessarily become unsafe to consume after their “Best By” dates.
#### **Baked Goods:**
For products like bread, cakes, and cookies, the “Best Before” or “Best By” dates are primarily for flavor and freshness. Baked goods can often last a bit longer if stored in airtight containers. If they become stale, you can sometimes salvage them by toasting or reheating them.
#### **Dairy:**
With dairy products, the “Best Before” date is often a good guideline for both safety and quality. However, it’s always worth using your senses. If the product smells sour, looks discolored, or has mold growing on it, then it’s time to toss it. But, if it just passed the date and looks and smells fine, it may still be safe to consume.
—
### **How to Maximize the Shelf Life of Your Food**
By taking proper care in how you store food, you can extend its shelf life and minimize waste. Here are some tips for storing food properly:
1. **Keep Food in a Cool, Dry Place:**
The pantry is a great spot for most shelf-stable products, but avoid storing food in areas with heat or moisture, like next to the stove, under the sink, or in a humid environment.
2. **Use Airtight Containers:**
For dry goods like grains, beans, and snacks, using airtight containers will help protect them from moisture, pests, and air, which can all cause the food to spoil faster.
3. **Freezing:**
Many foods can be frozen, and doing so can extend their shelf life for months or even years. Just make sure to use freezer-safe bags or containers to protect the food from freezer burn.
4. **Check Packaging:**
Proper packaging is essential in ensuring a product lasts as long as possible. Cans, jars, and vacuum-sealed packages are best for long-term storage.
—
### **Conclusion: Don’t Toss It Just Yet!**
While it’s tempting to discard food the moment its “Best By” or “Best Before” date passes, in most cases, you may be throwing away perfectly good food. Understanding the meaning of these dates, properly storing your food, and using your senses will help you make the best decision when determining whether food is still safe to eat. So next time you see that date on a can or box, take a moment to check the condition of the food, and remember that those dates are merely guidelines. By following these tips, you’ll reduce food waste and continue enjoying your groceries long after their “Best By” date has passed.
