July Health News

What the Expiration Date Means

By Kellie Hill, NTP

Expiration Dates Explained

In the past, manufacturers used up to ten different label phrases – this certainly added to confusion. Some of these labels referred to production dates, others referred to quality of product, others referred to when a product should be pulled from shelves or discounted even though the product was still safe. Luckily, the Food Marketing Institute and the Grocery Manufacturers Association, the two major trade associations for retailers and consumer products manufacturing, adopted standardized voluntary regulations to help clear up what product date labels really mean.

Now there are only two label phrases: “USE By” and “BEST If Used By”.

New Terms Explained

“BEST If Used By” describes product quality, where the product may not taste or perform as expected but is safe to use or consume.

“USE By” applies to the few products that are highly perishable and/or have a food safety concern over time; these products should be consumed by the date listed on the package – and disposed of after that date.

Foods You Can Eat After the Expiration Date

Here’s a few items you probably can hang onto a little longer than the expiration date but try to plan a meal that will use them quickly:

· Eggs can last up to 3 weeks past the use by date. To check if the egg is still safe (without cracking it open) place in a bowl of water. If it sinks, it’s still safe; if it floats, throw it away.

· Milk, because of the pasteurization process, can last up to a week longer than the expiration date. Or, make some ice cream.

· Hard cheese can last for up to three months past its expiration date. Even if you see some moldy spots, you can cut off the mold and eat the good parts – time for grilled cheese sandwiches. The same is not true for soft cheeses.

· The date on boxed cereal just determines when the cereal is still at peak quality. It doesn’t “go bad” after the expiration date but it might begin to taste stale.

· Crackers, chips and cookies are similar to boxed cereal. Check for a bad smell (the oils go bad over time) and that they don’t crumble apart easily.

· Bread is usually good for up to two weeks past the expiration date if left on the counter. If you put bread in the refrigerator, it will keep fresh for up to another month. You can also freeze bread. Or, make croutons for salads, bread crumbs, stuffing, etc.

· Fruit juice that does not require refrigeration can last up to a year due to the ultra-pasteurization process.

· Most canned foods can be consumed for up to four years past the expiration date. But, if there are any dents, rust or leaking, don’t use.

· Frozen foods, since they are in ice-cold temperatures are generally safe past the expiration date but may have freezer burn that won’t taste very good. · Butter, if it’s about to expire put it in the freezer to keep it fresh longer. Use quickly after thawed though – perfect if you’re baking.

· Dry pasta can usually be used for up to another year past the expiration date. Or, add it to the expired cheese for great mac & cheese and top with bread crumbs from the expired bread.

Whenever in doubt though, use your senses. If it smells bad, looks funny, has an off color, etc. throw it out! It’s always better to be safe than sick