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?
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.”
So, let’s understand what these dates really mean
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.
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.