We do not encourage food wastage, but it is crucial to publicize the importance of knowing just when to throw out expired foods. Although it is true that some foods are safe even when they are past their expiration date, you must know that is not always the case.
Read on for 10 food items you must never eat once they have expired—better to be safe than in the ER!
Understanding Food Date Labels
Before we dive in, let’s brush up on important dates to watch out for on food packaging:
| Date Label | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Sell-by date | How long the store has to display the product |
| Use-by date | When the manufacturer thinks the product will be at its peak quality |
| Best if used by date | The best date for flavor and quality |
| Closed date or coded dates | The packing number that the manufacturer uses |
Important: None of the above are expiration dates, nor do they indicate whether food is safe for consumption or not. The FDA allows manufacturers to sell almost any food past these dates, with baby formula being the exception. Manufacturers are not required to put any of these dates on their food; the decision is totally up to them.
That is why you must always check food expiration dates—they will help you stay away from food poisoning.
10 Foods You Must Never Eat Past Expiration
1. Leafy Greens
| Risk | Why |
|---|---|
| Bacteria | Can harbor E. coli and other pathogens |
| Why they are risky | Typically touched by many hands during production |
| Additional concern | Also applies to leafy greens left out on shelves |
Safety tip:Â Thoroughly wash all types of greens before eating and never consume them after any date posted on the bag.
2. Ground Meats
| Risk | Why |
|---|---|
| Bacteria | Prone to rapid bacterial growth |
| Shelf life | The FDA says ground meat is not safe for consumption after two days of purchase |
Safety tip:Â If you have too much on hand, freeze it to preserve it for longer periods.
3. Deli Meat
| Risk | Why |
|---|---|
| Listeria | A bacteria that can replicate even at low temperatures (like in your refrigerator) |
| Shelf life | Should never be eaten after expiration |
Safety tip:Â Consume deli meats promptly after purchase, or freeze for longer storage.
4. Soft Cheeses
| Risk | Why |
|---|---|
| Bacteria and mold | Soft cheeses have shorter shelf lives than harder cheeses like cheddar or gouda |
| Why they are more vulnerable | They can be easily penetrated by bacteria and mold |
Safety tip:Â Discard soft cheeses past their expiration date to avoid food poisoning.
5. Fish
| Risk | Why |
|---|---|
| Bacteria | Fish are no less prone to bacteria than meat |
| Shelf life | Should be consumed within 1–2 days of purchase |
Safety tip:Â If not using immediately, keep fish tightly wrapped in moisture-proof freezer paper or foil and freeze.
