Expiration dates... actual vs posted (1 Viewer)

[Max Power]

The wife and I are in a pretty heated debate about using a product past its expiration date. Looking to get a general consensus here related to food and medications. My take is that food is good until there is visual evidence that it isn't. Medications are probably good for a year after the expiration. I think companies bump up their dates to sell more product. Her take is that anything past the date is unsafe. We do both agree the "sell by" date is just a crapshoot.

 

[NCCommish]

It’s important to know when companies use an actual expiration date on items or a sell-by date. Often, the date printed on the package is the sell-by date, so for many items, it’s safe to use things after that time. But for how long exactly?


The FDA points out that when a “sell-by” date is marked on an item, it is simply an indicator for stores to know how long to display something. Alternatively, some things may have a “best if used by” date — that date indicates when an item will pass its peak quality. You can still use the item after that date if stored properly. Finally, some food items will have an actual “use by” date — these food items should be used by the date on the package.

So, for example, let’s take an item like eggs. Eggs are not federally required to have a sell-by or expiration date on them, but some states require it. All eggs that are graded by the USDA have to have a pack date on them, however. This date is written as a three digit number, representing the day of the year they were packed. For example, if the number is written “078,” then that date would be March 18, 78 days from Jan. 1. According to the FDA, eggs are still good for three to five weeks after you purchase them, as long as they’re stored properly in the coldest part of your refrigerator (i.e. not on the door). Even though the expiration date may pass during this time, they are still OK to use.

What about dairy items, like yogurt and cheese? Yogurt will usually be good for a couple of weeks after the expiration date, as long as it’s unopened. Once it’s opened, though, you should use it within a week. And cheese (though it may seem like it can last forever) also has an expiration date. Hard cheeses should be used within three weeks after opening, but can last up to six months in the freezer. (I buy those big packages of shredded mozzarella from Costco and keep them in the freezer for that emergency baked ziti that needs to be made when there is nothing else in the house besides noodles, pasta sauce, and — you guessed it — cheese.)

You asked about cake mix. A story that circulated through my email inbox a few years ago reported a 19-year-old college student died from eating old pancake mix. Snopes.com found the warnings to be far-fetched, but somewhat warranted, if you happen to be allergic to mold. Pillsbury website says to refrain from using cake mixes that have expired, because of potential changes to taste, color and texture. I say, when in doubt — throw it out. (But then again, that’s my motto for pretty much everything.)

For more info about the shelf (or refrigerator) life of meat and dairy products and to find out more about product dating, check out the FDA’s food product dating page.

 

[glock]

It’s important to know when companies use an actual expiration date on items or a sell-by date. Often, the date printed on the package is the sell-by date, so for many items, it’s safe to use things after that time. But for how long exactly?


The FDA points out that when a “sell-by” date is marked on an item, it is simply an indicator for stores to know how long to display something. Alternatively, some things may have a “best if used by” date — that date indicates when an item will pass its peak quality. You can still use the item after that date if stored properly. Finally, some food items will have an actual “use by” date — these food items should be used by the date on the package.

So, for example, let’s take an item like eggs. Eggs are not federally required to have a sell-by or expiration date on them, but some states require it. All eggs that are graded by the USDA have to have a pack date on them, however. This date is written as a three digit number, representing the day of the year they were packed. For example, if the number is written “078,” then that date would be March 18, 78 days from Jan. 1. According to the FDA, eggs are still good for three to five weeks after you purchase them, as long as they’re stored properly in the coldest part of your refrigerator (i.e. not on the door). Even though the expiration date may pass during this time, they are still OK to use.

What about dairy items, like yogurt and cheese? Yogurt will usually be good for a couple of weeks after the expiration date, as long as it’s unopened. Once it’s opened, though, you should use it within a week. And cheese (though it may seem like it can last forever) also has an expiration date. Hard cheeses should be used within three weeks after opening, but can last up to six months in the freezer. (I buy those big packages of shredded mozzarella from Costco and keep them in the freezer for that emergency baked ziti that needs to be made when there is nothing else in the house besides noodles, pasta sauce, and — you guessed it — cheese.)

You asked about cake mix. A story that circulated through my email inbox a few years ago reported a 19-year-old college student died from eating old pancake mix. Snopes.com found the warnings to be far-fetched, but somewhat warranted, if you happen to be allergic to mold. Pillsbury website says to refrain from using cake mixes that have expired, because of potential changes to taste, color and texture. I say, when in doubt — throw it out. (But then again, that’s my motto for pretty much everything.)

For more info about the shelf (or refrigerator) life of meat and dairy products and to find out more about product dating, check out the FDA’s food product dating page.

And thanks.

 

[Max Power]

The FDA page is broken, but good info. I'm eating fish 3 days after the expiration date. It smells like fish and it was yum.

 

[NCCommish]

The FDA page is broken, but good info. I'm eating fish 3 days after the expiration date. It smells like fish and it was yum.

If that was the best if used by date no problem. If it was the actual use by date it gets dicey. Mold is your big worry.

 

[Brony]

I recently took multi-vitamins with 2008 expiration dating on it. Less sad about that then having to looking at condom package for expiration date.

 

[Das Boot]

They're more like guidelines...

 

[comfortably numb]

Tell your wife her looks expired on 4/2008 but it doesn't stop you from loving her then take some expired advil for your headache from her cracking you over the head with a frying pan.

 

[Hawks64]

There used to be an actual health inspector around here that had some very good info on that question.

 

[Long Ball Larry]

and what about info?

 

[Insomniac]

The FDA page is broken, but good info. I'm eating fish 3 days after the expiration date. It smells like fish and it was yum.

If that was the best if used by date no problem. If it was the actual use by date it gets dicey. Mold is your big worry.

Some years back I bought a 2.5 gallon jug of spring water. I put it in my fridge because I read somewhere leaving it in there would lower energy use. I took it out last week and saw a "best if used by date" of sometime in 2011. It was never opened. Is it unsafe to drink?

 

[pollardsvision]

I say until there's visual or olfactory evidence that you shouldn't use it.

No one that might be considered an authority on the subject (like, say, the FDA) is ever going to say it's fine to go past the "use by" date. Too much liability to say that.

But there has to be some margin. There's a range based on a number of factors that a product will last. I assume the use by date refers to the worst case scenario for the sake of liability.

If it looks good and smells good, eat it.

 

[The Kerminator]

http://www.stilltasty.com/

 

[NCCommish]

The FDA page is broken, but good info. I'm eating fish 3 days after the expiration date. It smells like fish and it was yum.

If that was the best if used by date no problem. If it was the actual use by date it gets dicey. Mold is your big worry.

Some years back I bought a 2.5 gallon jug of spring water. I put it in my fridge because I read somewhere leaving it in there would lower energy use. I took it out last week and saw a "best if used by date" of sometime in 2011. It was never opened. Is it unsafe to drink?

2-3 years is longer than 3 days and water can go bad. I probably wouldn't but you should feel free.