In This Article

• What expiration dates really mean and how they differ
• How to tell if food is still safe to eat after its expiration date
• Which foods can safely be eaten past their printed date
• Which foods should always be discarded after expiration
• How to store food properly to maximize its freshness and avoid waste

Is Expired Food Still Safe to Eat? How to Tell If It’s Okay

Most people assume that food expiration dates tell them when something becomes unsafe to eat, but in reality, these dates are not federally regulated (except for infant formula) and are primarily about food quality—not safety. The term “Best Before” is used to indicate when a product is at peak quality, but it doesn’t mean the food suddenly spoils afterward.

“Sell By” is meant for store inventory management, helping retailers know how long to display products, but it doesn’t dictate when something becomes dangerous to eat. “Use By” is a little more specific to freshness, but it’s still a recommendation, not a safety deadline. The key takeaway is that a printed date doesn’t automatically mean food is bad. The real test lies in how the food looks, smells, and feels.

How to Tell If Expired Food Is Still Safe

Instead of throwing away food based purely on a date, it’s important to engage your senses. Smell is often the first indicator—if milk turns sour, meat has a rotten odor, or bread carries a musty scent, it’s likely spoiled. Visual cues like mold growth, unusual discoloration, or slimy textures are also red flags.

Texture changes can be another sign—if a once-firm vegetable becomes mushy or if meat develops a sticky surface, it’s best to discard it. Taste can be the final test, but only if the food passes the other checks. If a food item tastes bitter or unexpectedly off, it’s safest to spit it out.

Foods That Are Usually Safe to Eat Past Expiration

Many foods remain safe well beyond their expiration dates if stored properly. Dry goods such as rice, pasta, flour, and oats can last for years when kept in airtight containers. Canned foods are another example—unless the can is bulging, dented, or rusted, the contents are often fine long after the printed date.

Frozen foods, while they may suffer in texture over time, remain safe indefinitely because freezing halts bacterial growth. Hard cheeses are resilient as well; even if mold appears on the surface, cutting away the affected area usually leaves the rest perfectly fine. Yogurt, when unopened and stored in a cold fridge, often remains good for weeks past its expiration.

Even eggs, which many people assume spoil quickly, can last longer than expected—one simple test is to place an egg in a glass of water; if it sinks, it’s fresh, but if it floats, it’s best discarded.

Foods You Should Always Throw Out After Expiration

While many foods remain safe, others should never be risked. Deli meats and soft cheeses, for instance, can harbor listeria even when refrigerated, making them particularly dangerous after their expiration dates.

Fresh seafood is another high-risk item, as it spoils quickly and can lead to serious food poisoning. Pre-cut fruits and vegetables also pose risks since bacteria multiply rapidly once the protective skin is removed. Sprouts, which have been linked to multiple outbreaks of foodborne illness, should be eaten fresh or discarded once they pass their peak.

Leftovers that have been sitting in the fridge for more than four days also become a risk, as bacteria multiply rapidly in cooked food, even when stored properly.

The Dangers of Eating Spoiled Food

Ignoring expiration dates completely can be dangerous—especially when dealing with perishable foods. Spoiled food can harbor harmful bacteria, leading to foodborne illnesses with symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and, in severe cases, hospitalization. Some of the most common bacteria that cause food poisoning include

Salmonella, which is often found in undercooked meat, eggs, and dairy; Listeria, which is particularly dangerous for pregnant women and the elderly and is commonly found in soft cheeses and deli meats; E. coli, which can be present in undercooked beef and contaminated produce; and Clostridium botulinum, the bacteria behind botulism, which is found in improperly canned foods.

For vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems, consuming spoiled food can be life-threatening.

How to Store Food for Maximum Freshness

Proper food storage is essential for keeping food fresh and safe. Refrigeration plays a major role—perishable foods should always be kept at or below 40°F (4°C), while freezers should be maintained at 0°F (-18°C) to prevent bacterial growth.

Dry goods should be stored in airtight containers away from moisture and pests to extend their shelf life. When freezing meats, using vacuum-sealed bags or tightly wrapping them in freezer-safe materials can prevent freezer burn and preserve their quality. Organizing the fridge and pantry using the

First In, First Out (FIFO) method—where older items are moved to the front and used first—helps reduce waste and ensures food is eaten before it spoils. Ethylene-producing fruits, such as apples, bananas, and avocados, should be stored separately from other produce to slow ripening and prevent premature spoilage.

Final Thoughts: Trust Your Senses, Not Just the Date

Expiration dates don’t tell the full story when it comes to food safety. While they serve as helpful guidelines, your own senses are the best judge of whether food is still good. Understanding the difference between “Best Before” and “Use By” dates, knowing how to spot spoilage, and storing food correctly can save money, reduce food waste, and keep you from throwing away perfectly good food.

Instead of relying solely on a printed date, take a moment to inspect, smell, and assess your food before deciding whether to keep or toss it. The next time you see an “expired” yogurt or a can of beans past its date, don’t assume it belongs in the trash—it might just be perfectly fine to eat.

About the Author

Beth McDaniel is a staff writer for InnerSelf.com">

About the Author

Beth McDaniel is a staff writer for InnerSelf.com

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Article Recap

Food expiration dates don’t always indicate that food is bad. Many items remain safe well past their printed dates, while some should always be discarded. Learning how to properly store food, recognize spoilage, and extend the life of groceries can help reduce waste while keeping meals safe.

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