Expiration dates can sometimes feel like suggestions rather than hard-and-fast rules, but when it comes to certain foods, eating them after they expire can pose serious health risks. While many items can be consumed a little past their “best by” date with no issue, some foods should never be eaten once they've passed their expiration date. These foods are especially prone to bacterial growth, spoilage, and can lead to foodborne illnesses. In this article, we’ll look at 13 foods that food safety experts say you should avoid eating after they expire.
Understanding Food Expiration Dates
Before diving into the specific foods, it’s important to understand what expiration dates mean. There are several terms used on food packaging, and they don't all indicate the same thing:
- Best by: This refers to the date when the product is at its peak quality, not necessarily when it becomes unsafe to eat.
- Sell by: This is for retailers, indicating when the store should remove the item from the shelf.
- Use by: This is the manufacturer’s recommended date for when the product is at its freshest and safest to consume.
When it comes to food safety, the “use by” date is the one to pay the most attention to, especially for perishable items.
Why Eating Expired Food Can Be Dangerous
Eating food past its expiration date isn’t just a question of taste; it’s about safety. Expired foods, particularly perishables, can harbor harmful bacteria such as Salmonella, E. coli, or Listeria. Consuming these bacteria can lead to foodborne illnesses, which may cause symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. In severe cases, food poisoning can even lead to hospitalization or worse.
Certain groups, such as pregnant women, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems, are at higher risk of severe reactions from foodborne illnesses. That’s why it’s crucial to be extra cautious with the following foods.
13 Foods You Should Never Eat After They Expire
1. Dairy Products (Milk, Yogurt, Cheese)
Dairy is a common culprit when it comes to foodborne illnesses. Once milk, yogurt, or cheese passes its expiration date, it can harbor harmful bacteria like Lactobacillus and Salmonella. Even if it smells okay, it might still be dangerous. Watch for signs like a sour smell, curdling, or a change in texture to know if your dairy products have gone bad.
2. Deli Meats
Deli meats, such as ham, turkey, or salami, are prone to developing Listeria, a bacteria that thrives in cold environments like your fridge. Even if they’ve been properly stored, deli meats should never be eaten past their expiration date. Always look for a slimy texture or strange odors as signs that the meat has spoiled.
3. Eggs
Eating expired eggs can expose you to Salmonella. While eggs have a longer shelf life than some other perishables, they shouldn’t be consumed after their expiration date. A simple way to check if an egg is still good is to place it in a glass of water—if it floats, it’s time to throw it out.
4. Raw Meat and Poultry
Raw meat and poultry are breeding grounds for bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella, especially after their expiration date. Even if meat looks and smells okay, eating it past its “use by” date is risky. Meat should be properly stored in the fridge or freezer to avoid spoilage, but once expired, it’s best to throw it out.
5. Seafood (Fish and Shellfish)
Seafood is one of the most dangerous foods to eat after its expiration date. Fish and shellfish can develop harmful bacteria like Vibrio or toxins that cause scombroid poisoning. If seafood smells overly fishy or has changed color, discard it immediately. Even if frozen, expired seafood can still pose a risk.
6. Soft Cheeses
Soft cheeses like Brie, goat cheese, and ricotta spoil more quickly than hard cheeses. They can develop mold or bacteria such as Listeria after their expiration date. While mold on hard cheese can sometimes be cut away, mold on soft cheese is a sign that the entire product is unsafe to eat.
7. Fresh Berries
Berries like strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries are prone to mold and bacterial growth, especially after their expiration date. Even a small amount of mold can indicate contamination of the entire batch. When in doubt, toss expired berries to avoid potential illness.
8. Leafy Greens
Leafy greens, such as spinach, lettuce, and kale, spoil quickly and can harbor E. coli or Listeria once expired. Even if they don’t look wilted or slimy, it’s best to avoid eating leafy greens after their “use by” date, as bacteria can grow without obvious signs of spoilage.
9. Pre-Packaged Salads
Pre-packaged salads come with a higher risk of contamination due to the handling and processing involved. These salads often spoil quickly after their expiration date and should be discarded if they look wilted, slimy, or if they have an off smell.
10. Canned Foods with High Acidity (Tomatoes, Pineapple)
Canned foods generally have a long shelf life, but high-acid foods like tomatoes and pineapples are the exception. Once these items pass their expiration date, the acidity can cause the can to corrode, leading to contamination. Always check for signs of damage like bulging or rust on the can, as these indicate spoilage.
11. Fresh Juice
Freshly squeezed or bottled juices, especially those without preservatives, spoil quickly and can harbor dangerous bacteria after their expiration date. Fresh juice may ferment or sour, which is a sign that it’s gone bad. Always check the smell and taste before drinking expired juice.
12. Mayonnaise and Cream-Based Condiments
Mayonnaise and other cream-based condiments like ranch dressing are especially prone to bacterial growth after their expiration date. Once opened, these products are only good for a limited time and should be stored properly in the refrigerator. Eating expired mayonnaise can lead to food poisoning, so it’s best to discard it once it’s past its prime.
13. Mushrooms
Mushrooms are highly perishable and can spoil quickly once they pass their expiration date. They may develop mold or bacteria that aren’t always visible. If mushrooms look slimy or discolored, it’s best to throw them away to avoid potential illness.
How to Properly Store Perishable Foods
Proper storage is key to extending the shelf life of perishable foods. Always refrigerate items like dairy, meat, and leafy greens as soon as you get home from the store. For longer storage, freeze items like meat, poultry, and seafood to prevent spoilage. Make sure your fridge is set to the right temperature—usually below 40°F (4°C).
Foods You Can Safely Eat After Their Expiration Date
Not all foods spoil quickly after their expiration date. Non-perishables like dry pasta, rice, canned goods (low-acid), and certain frozen foods can last long past their “best by” date as long as they are stored properly. However, always inspect the food for signs of spoilage like strange smells, mold, or changes in texture.
How to Handle Food Expiration in Your Pantry
Regularly check your pantry and fridge for expired items. Rotating your food, meaning moving older items to the front and newer ones to the back, helps ensure you’re eating foods before they expire. Also, keep a list of perishable items and their expiration dates to avoid waste and keep your kitchen organized.
Conclusion
When it comes to expired food, it’s better to be safe than sorry. While some foods can still be eaten after their expiration date, others pose serious health risks and should be discarded promptly. Keep an eye on the 13 foods mentioned above, and always practice proper storage techniques to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses.