{"id":176597,"date":"2025-10-13T22:06:43","date_gmt":"2025-10-13T22:06:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/teknomers.com\/en\/which-expired-foods-are-safe-to-eat-and-how-long-after-their-expiration-date-a-case-by-case-look-from-milk-to-eggs\/"},"modified":"2025-10-13T22:06:45","modified_gmt":"2025-10-13T22:06:45","slug":"which-expired-foods-are-safe-to-eat-and-how-long-after-their-expiration-date-a-case-by-case-look-from-milk-to-eggs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/teknomers.com\/en\/which-expired-foods-are-safe-to-eat-and-how-long-after-their-expiration-date-a-case-by-case-look-from-milk-to-eggs\/","title":{"rendered":"Which expired foods are safe to eat and how long after their expiration date? A case-by-case look from milk to eggs."},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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A \u00a0healthy diet\u00a0 goes beyond just balancing carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals. The journey of food from production to cooking significantly impacts its \u00a0quality and safety\u00a0. Knowing how to read labels is essential, not only for proper nutrition but also for reducing waste and optimizing what we have at home. A common query arises from these labels: \u00a0Can we eat expired foods?\u00a0 Which ones are safe, and which are not? How do we navigate between the phrases \u00a0“best before”\u00a0 and \u00a0“use by”?\u00a0<\/p>\n

According to \u00a0Laura De Gara\u00a0, an Italian nutritionist and president of the Master’s Course in Food Sciences and Human Nutrition at the Campus Bio-Medico University in Rome, clarity can be achieved by distinguishing between different cases.<\/p>\n

Expiration or Best Before?<\/h2>\n

The difference is crucial. “We may not pay attention to the wording of expiration: \u00a0‘Best before’\u00a0 and \u00a0‘Use by.’\u00a0 The addition of ‘preferably’ is not a minor detail.” The label stating \u00a0‘best before’\u00a0 indicates the date until which the product maintains its \u00a0optimal sensory properties\u00a0, such as flavor and texture. After this date, the food may lose some of these qualities \u00a0without becoming hazardous to health.\u00a0<\/p>\n

In contrast, the \u00a0‘use by’\u00a0 date is mandatory information about when the product must be consumed. After this date, especially with fresh products, it poses a \u00a0health risk\u00a0,” explains De Gara.<\/p>\n

Significant Risks: Poisoning and Bacteria<\/h2>\n

“The most common risk is \u00a0food poisoning\u00a0 caused by pathogenic bacteria such as \u00a0Salmonella\u00a0, \u00a0Listeria\u00a0, and \u00a0Escherichia coli\u00a0. The risk of toxins developing in food is particularly high in perishable items like meat, fish, and dairy products. It’s not just critical to avoid eating these foods post-expiration, but also to ensure they are stored at the \u00a0correct temperature\u00a0,” she asserts.<\/p>\n

Foods Safe Even When Expired<\/h2>\n

“Some foods can be consumed \u00a0safely even after their expiration date\u00a0, provided they have been stored properly and require high-temperature cooking. Examples include \u00a0dried pasta\u00a0 (not fresh), \u00a0rice\u00a0, \u00a0dried legumes\u00a0, canned foods, and long-lasting products like \u00a0honey\u00a0 and \u00a0sugar\u00a0,” she concludes.<\/p>\n

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<\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
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Image of some milk bottles<\/span>E.M.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Our Senses Help Us<\/h2>\n

“Our senses, particularly \u00a0sight and smell\u00a0, can significantly assist us in determining if a food is still consumable. A \u00a0change in color\u00a0 can be an important indicator; if in doubt, we can taste a small amount to better evaluate unwanted alterations in sensory characteristics.<\/p>\n

If the food shows signs of \u00a0mold\u00a0, \u00a0unpleasant odors\u00a0, or a \u00a0strange taste\u00a0, we should not consume it. It’s worth noting that older adults may have altered taste perception, while children have more taste buds than adults and may perceive flavors more intensely but may be less attuned to quality changes,” explains the expert.<\/p>\n

Reducing Waste: Planning and Storing<\/h2>\n

“The key issue is \u00a0shopping planning\u00a0: making a list at home while checking what we already have seems like a straightforward tip, yet it is often challenging to implement in daily life. According to data from the Nestl\u00e9 Observatory, just over half of Italians routinely do this.<\/p>\n

While shopping, an essential tip is to dedicate time to \u00a0read the expiration date\u00a0 of what we purchase. For frozen products, remember that they shouldn\u2019t defrost during the time taken to get to your kitchen’s freezer.<\/p>\n

Using \u00a0airtight containers\u00a0 when opening a package is helpful. Similarly, the \u00a0placement of food\u00a0 in the refrigerator or pantry is significant. It’s beneficial to \u00a0freeze\u00a0 foods that are not intended for immediate consumption,” advises De Gara.<\/p>\n

Milk: Not Past the Expiration<\/h2>\n

“Milk is a \u00a0highly perishable product\u00a0 and can develop harmful bacteria after the expiration date. This risk increases during warm seasons: forgetting an opened milk container outside the fridge for even a few hours may render it unusable.” <\/p>\n

It’s critical to adhere to proper safety guidelines concerning \u00a0raw milk\u00a0 or its derivatives. “Raw milk is sold after milking without undergoing any heat treatment, preserving all its natural characteristics but may also contain pathogenic microorganisms. The danger is so significant, especially in summer months, that the Health Ministry recently issued guidelines for controlling \u00a0Escherichia coli\u00a0 toxins in unpasteurized milk and related products.” <\/p>\n

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Image of some eggs<\/span>LUIS GANDARILLAS | Efe<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Honey Lasts a Long Time<\/h2>\n

“While nothing biological is eternal, we can confidently say that \u00a0honey lasts a long time\u00a0.” Its natural antibacterial properties make it particularly stable over time. “If stored correctly, it preserves its nutritional characteristics for extended periods \u00a0without losing quality or safety\u00a0,” asserts De Gara.<\/p>\n

Cheese: Not Beyond Expiration<\/h2>\n

“Although some aged cheeses can be consumed past their expiration date, it is \u00a0crucial that there are no altered sensory characteristics\u00a0.” Sight and smell are essential evaluation tools. “In particular, be attentive to the absence of \u00a0undesirable mold and unpleasant odors\u00a0: if there are evident changes in the rind or aroma, it’s best to avoid consumption.”<\/p>\n

Oil: Short Window<\/h2>\n

“Oil does not pose food safety issues if consumed shortly after the expiration date, as long as it has not gone \u00a0rancid\u00a0. However, consider the nutritional aspect. Over time, extra virgin olive oil\u2014the one that can offer health benefits when consumed in the right quantities\u2014loses interesting molecules for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Therefore, \u00a0it’s ideal to consume it within a year of its production\u00a0.”<\/p>\n

Fruit Juices and Dry Cookies: Some Months After Expiration<\/h2>\n

“Fruit juices, although correctly packaged and stored, tend to lose their nutritional qualities over time.” The main risk is \u00a0fermentation\u00a0 or the development of \u00a0mold\u00a0. “If we come across expired fruit juices that are well-sealed, we may consider consumption only after careful evaluation. If the taste, smell, or appearance presents no evident alterations, it\u2019s possible to try a small amount. However, \u00a0if in any doubt, it’s best not to take risks\u00a0.” <\/p>\n

“Packaged and unopened dry cookies are among the least problematic foods from a safety standpoint. Even after expiration, they can be consumed for \u00a0several months\u00a0. The major loss pertains to sensory characteristics: they may lose crunchiness, flakiness, and aromatic intensity but \u00a0remain safe if stored properly\u00a0.”<\/p>\n

Cold Cuts and Processed Meats: Not Beyond Expiration<\/h2>\n

“Cold cuts and processed meats are among the most perishable and sensitive to \u00a0microbial deterioration\u00a0.” The risk of dangerous bacteria like \u00a0Listeria\u00a0 developing is high. “It’s not advisable to consume them beyond their expiration date, even if the appearance seems fine: \u00a0deterioration is not always visible to the naked eye\u00a0.”<\/p>\n

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\"Olive<\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
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Olive oil packaging process<\/span>JOSE CUELLAR<\/span>E.M.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Canned Fish: A Month Past Expiration<\/h2>\n

“Canned fish usually has long expiration periods, sometimes between two to five years after packaging.” Given these extensive periods, “there is a degree of tolerance, even \u00a0up to a month after\u00a0.” With the condition of the packaging being intact and no alterations present, it could be consumable. “However, it\u2019s always a good practice to \u00a0check the label\u2019s date\u00a0 when purchasing: some batches may be close to expiration without us realizing it.” <\/p>\n

Chocolate: Several Weeks After Expiration<\/h2>\n

“Chocolate can be consumed \u00a0even months after expiration\u00a0, provided there are no signs of deterioration.” The typical white patina that may appear on the surface, known as \u00a0bloom\u00a0, “is not harmful; it\u2019s an aesthetic alteration caused by fat or sugar separation, which \u00a0does not compromise product safety\u00a0.” <\/p>\n

Eggs: No Longer Than the Expiry Date<\/h2>\n

“Eggs can be an \u00a0extremely dangerous food\u00a0 if consumed after the expiration date.” After this date, they can develop bacteria like \u00a0Salmonella\u00a0, even if they appear fine externally. Therefore, \u00a0it\u2019s strongly advised not to eat them beyond the indicated date\u00a0.”<\/p>\n

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Navigating the complexities of food expiration can save both money and health. By understanding the significance of \u00a0expiration dates and best before labels\u00a0, consumers can make well-informed choices about their food. By following expert guidelines and being attentive to sensory cues, we can create a healthier relationship with food while simultaneously contributing to \u00a0sustainability by reducing waste\u00a0. This knowledge empowers us to make better decisions and eat safely, ensuring our health and well-being.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n


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General News – 2<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

A \u00a0healthy diet\u00a0 goes beyond just balancing carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals. The journey of food from production to cooking significantly impacts its \u00a0quality and safety\u00a0. Knowing how to read labels is essential, not only for proper nutrition but also for reducing waste and optimizing what we have at home. A common query arises […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":176598,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[36400],"tags":[36729],"class_list":["post-176597","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-health","tag-ciencia-y-salud-salud"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/teknomers.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/176597","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/teknomers.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/teknomers.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/teknomers.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/teknomers.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=176597"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/teknomers.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/176597\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/teknomers.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/176598"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/teknomers.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=176597"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/teknomers.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=176597"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/teknomers.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=176597"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}