What to Know Food Expiration
Food expiration dates indicate when a product is no longer safe to eat. Dates vary and are determined by many factors, including the packaging, processing method, storage details and the actual ingredients used. It's important to note that the dates listed on food packaging are merely estimates and may not always reflect the exact time to spoilage.
How to Interpret Food Expiration Dates
"Use By" or "Expiration Date": Refers to the last date that the product should be consumed for safety reasons. Once this date has passed, the product is considered unsafe to eat and should be discarded.
"Best By" or "Best Before" or "Best If Used By": Indicates the date up until which the product is expected to retain its peak quality. It does not necessarily mean that the food becomes dangerous to eat after this date, but it may start to lose its flavor, texture or nutritional value.
Open-Dated or Date Marked: Found on perishable foods like meat and poultry. It represents the last day the product should be sold, not consumed. You should use or freeze these items within a few days of purchase.
Factors Affecting Food Shelf Life
Type of Food: Highly perishable foods like meat and poultry have a shorter shelf life compared to non-perishable foods such as canned or dried products.
Temperature: Storing foods at the appropriate temperatures, such as refrigeration or freezing, can extend their shelf life.
Packaging: Sealed and airtight packaging helps protect food from spoilage.
Processing Methods: Some treatments like canning, freezing and drying can lengthen food's shelf life.
Ingredients: Certain components, like salt or preservatives, can extend an item's shelf life.
It's crucial to follow the storage instructions provided on food packaging to ensure its safety and quality for consumption. Remember, when in doubt, discard it!
Tips for Understanding and Managing Food Expiration
Inspect Appearance and Smell: If a food item looks, feels, or smells "off," it's best to discard it regardless of the expiration date.
Buy in Smaller Quantities: This helps prevent overstocking and reduces the likelihood of food going to waste.
Keep Track with Labels: Labeling food items with their expiry dates can help you stay organized.
Store Food Properly: Maintain appropriate storage conditions, including refrigeration or freezing, as indicated on the packaging.
Understand Product Dates: Familiarize yourself with different types of food expiration dates and their significance.
By following these tips, you can better manage your food supply and reduce food waste while ensuring you're consuming safe edible items, especially since expiration dates aren't always exact and can vary based on individual circumstances and storage conditions.