Have you ever looked at the little date on your food packaging and wondered if it’s time to throw away that box of chicken or that carton of milk? It turns out those “expiration dates” might not be as important as we’ve been told.
Recognizing Expiration Dates on Labels:
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), food expiration dates aren’t as strict as they seem. These dates are meant more to preserve food quality than to prove food safety. So, before you quickly throw away that yogurt cup just because it’s past its expiration date, take a moment and consider the bigger picture
You’ve probably come across a number of words on your food containers, including “Best Before,” “Use By,” and “Sell By.” These labels are often misleading, giving the impression that consuming food after a certain date is necessarily dangerous. In fact, these labels are more about when the product tastes and looks its best—at its peak quality. Even after these dates have passed, the product is still safe to eat. “Best Before” indicates the date when food tastes and looks its freshest. “Use By” indicates the recommended date for consuming the product to ensure optimal quality. “Sell By” was designed for stores and allows businesses to decide how long they want to keep a product for sale.
Reduce food waste:
The discovery that approximately 30 percent of the food produced in America is wasted each year is shocking. Our tendency to rely primarily on expiration dates is one of the reasons for this staggering figure. We throw away food that is still edible, which not only affects our own financial situation but also has environmental implications.
So how long can you keep some common foods after the expiration date?
Eggs:
Eggs are safe to eat for up to three to five weeks after purchase. Place them in a basin of water and check for freshness. If they sink, they’re still excellent; if they float, it’s time to say goodbye.
After the best-before date, chicken and meat will keep in the refrigerator for a day or two; if you want to keep them longer, freezing is the best choice.
Milk:
Unless it has an unpleasant odor or curdles, milk is often drinkable for about a week after its best-before date.
Dried foods like rice and noodles can be stored forever as long as they are stored in a cool, dry place. Some studies suggest that rice can be stored for four to five years.
Canned goods: Canned goods are particularly robust. As long as the cans are in perfect condition (no dents, rust, or swelling), they can be consumed without concern.
Frozen food can remain edible virtually forever if stored at -18°C or below. However, over time, quality may deteriorate.
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