How Food Expiration Dates Work

How food expiration dates work and tips to stay healthy

 

t’s the end of the week and you just want something quick and easy to eat. Great news, there’s a tin of baked beans in the cupboard. Throw in some pasta and you’re sorted! Does it matter if that tin is slightly over its expiration date? Even if it’s just a few days past expiration, it should be fine… right?

 

Understanding expiration dates

Packaged foods have had food expiration dates for as long as we can remember; a quick and easy way for shoppers to gauge freshness and safety of a product. Yet, surprisingly, the history of food labels and expiration dates is a confusing and intriguing one… In fact, according to Safefood, “According to legend, the Capone family, who had a big hand in the U.S. dairy industry in the 1930s, lobbied for dates on milk when a family member got sick after drinking contaminated milk. About 20 years later, sell-by dates were introduced in Marks & Spencer's storerooms and then made their way to the shelves in the 1970s.”

 

Decoding the dates

So, let’s understand what these dates really mean

  • Best-before date: This tells us when the food is at its peak quality. Generally, this means that the food is safe to consume, but there may be changes in its taste, nutritional value, or even its texture. 
  • Use-by date: You will typically find this label on perishable foods like dairy products or meat packs. For your safety, don’t consume this food after this date. 
  • Sell-by date: This is the guide for retailers to rotate stock. Food is usually still safe to eat for a short period after this date if stored properly.
  • Packed-on date: Often used for fresh goods; it indicates when the product was packaged.

 

Food safety

Eating foods that are way past expiration dates can cause serious health issues; from food poisoning to extreme allergic reactions. Take the time to read the relevant labels and dates when buying groceries, and give your food cupboard a regular once-over to throw out expired foods.

  • When using canned food items, check for mould, discolouration, or an unpleasant smell. A sour smell is usually a clear warning that the food is spoiled. 
  • To keep bacteria at bay, try not to cross-contaminate foods. This means using separate cutting boards and utensils for raw meats, vegetables, and ready-to-eat foods. 
  • Freezer foods should be stored immediately and kept for the appropriate time.
  • When it comes to pastas, rice, and other dry items, keep these in airtight containers to prevent moisture and pests.
  • Use a FIFO system (first in, first out). Store older items in front of the fridge or cupboard to use them first.
  • Inspect the cans and tins before popping them into your shopping cart; if it’s damaged in any way, place it back on the shelf!
  • Spices generally have a long shelf-life but some spices can go rancid. Store them in a cool, dry place and give them a sniff to ensure they’re still fresh.
  • Eggs look okay but you’re not sure? Do the float test - place them in a bowl of water. If they float, they’re bad. If they sink, they’re fine to use.

 

Good to know

Food expiration dates are guidelines, not hard rules. By understanding their meaning and following proper storage practices, you can make healthier choices, reduce waste, and ensure food safety. When in doubt, trust your senses; if it looks, smells, or tastes questionable, it’s better to toss it out.

 


Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only. Always check with your doctor or medical practitioner about any health concerns, before embarking on any fitness or nutrition programme, or using any medication.