While some foods are safe to consume past their expiration date, others can become hazardous to your health. Eating certain expired items can lead to food poisoning, illness, or even worse. To keep yourself safe, here are 14 foods you should avoid eating once their expiration date has passed.
1. Dairy Products
Milk, yogurt, and cheese can spoil quickly and harbor harmful bacteria like salmonella or listeria. Signs of spoilage include sour smells, curdled textures, or visible mold. Hard cheeses may be salvageable by cutting off moldy areas, but soft cheeses should always be discarded if they’re past their date. It’s best to err on the side of caution with dairy products.
2. Eggs
Expired eggs can carry salmonella, making them dangerous to consume after their expiration date. Even if an egg looks fine, the inside can still harbor bacteria. To test freshness, place the egg in water; if it floats, it’s gone bad. Always store eggs in the refrigerator to extend their shelf life.
3. Raw Meat
Raw meat, including chicken, beef, and pork, can quickly grow bacteria like E. coli and salmonella when expired. The telltale signs include slimy textures, off-putting smells, or discoloration. Eating expired meat can lead to severe food poisoning. If the meat is past its expiration date, toss it out.
4. Seafood
Seafood, especially shellfish, is highly perishable and can become toxic if consumed after its expiration date. Spoiled seafood often smells sour or fishy and may have a slimy texture. Eating expired seafood can cause foodborne illnesses like scombroid poisoning. Always buy fresh seafood and consume it promptly.
5. Fresh Juice
Unpasteurized fresh juices are especially prone to bacterial growth after their expiration date. Harmful microorganisms like E. coli and listeria can develop, posing serious health risks. If a juice smells fermented or tastes sour, it’s best to discard it. Always check the label for storage instructions to prolong freshness.
6. Deli Meats
Deli meats can harbor listeria, a bacteria that thrives even in cold environments, after their expiration date. Spoiled deli meat often has a slimy coating or sour smell. Once opened, consume deli meats within three to five days, regardless of the expiration date. When in doubt, throw it out.
7. Bagged Salad Greens
Pre-washed salad greens can quickly spoil and become a breeding ground for harmful bacteria after their expiration date. Wilting, discoloration, or slimy leaves are clear signs they’ve gone bad. Eating expired greens can lead to stomach issues or foodborne illnesses. Always check the expiration date and consume greens as soon as possible.
8. Soft Berries
Berries like strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries are highly perishable and can develop mold or bacteria after their expiration date. Mold isn’t always visible, so expired berries may still pose a risk even if they look fine. Storing berries in the fridge can extend their life, but always consume them before the date listed.
9. Canned Foods (with Damage)
While most canned foods last well past their expiration date, cans with dents, rust, or bulging should never be consumed. These signs indicate the potential for botulism, a rare but serious illness caused by bacteria. Always inspect canned goods carefully before use and avoid any with compromised packaging.
10. Fresh Bakery Items
Fresh bread, pastries, and other bakery items can grow mold quickly after their expiration date. Mold spores can spread throughout the item even if they’re not visible. Freezing baked goods is a good way to extend their shelf life. If there’s any doubt, it’s safer to discard them.
11. Leftovers
Leftovers should be consumed within three to four days, regardless of the printed expiration date. Beyond this time, harmful bacteria can grow, even if the food smells fine. Always store leftovers in airtight containers and refrigerate them promptly. Label them with dates to avoid confusion.
12. Soft Drinks (Unopened)
Unopened sodas past their expiration date may taste flat and lose carbonation, but diet sodas can also degrade, releasing harmful compounds over time. Opened sodas are even riskier, as they can harbor bacteria after prolonged exposure to air. Always check the packaging date and store sodas in a cool place.
13. Baby Food and Formula
Expired baby food and formula are especially dangerous, as they can lose nutritional value and develop harmful bacteria. Babies are more vulnerable to foodborne illnesses, so it’s crucial to adhere strictly to expiration dates. Always inspect packaging for damage and avoid using expired products.
14. Fresh Pasta
Fresh pasta often contains eggs or dairy, making it prone to spoilage after its expiration date. Signs of spoilage include slimy textures, discoloration, or unpleasant odors. Frozen pasta lasts longer, but fresh varieties should always be consumed before the date on the package. Spoiled pasta can lead to food poisoning, so don’t take any risks.
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