Do Expiration Dates Really Matter?

Government Regulations

Considering food dating never focused on public health and food safety, but rather the quality of food, there is no federal regulation over the use of dates, although the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and US Department of Agriculture (USDA) have regulatory power over product misbranding. The only nationally required and regulated food dating involves infant formula and some baby food, as the nutrients found in infant formula and food lose their nutritional value and potency over time. Most regulation for food dates occurs at the state level, as many states have implemented their own regulations to ensure food quality and safety for their citizens. For instance, some states mandate removing dairy products from store shelves once the expiry date has passed.

All states, except nine, have food dating rules, but they vary widely. This has resulted in a variety of different rules for different products. In some cases, sometimes a product needs a date, and sometimes it doesn’t, just like some products cannot be sold after a particular date, which causes consumer confusion and tons of wasted food.

Foods That You Can & Cannot Eat Past The Date

There is no doubt certain foods consumed past their expiry date can taste a little bit different or will just no longer be good. However, certain foods can indeed be eaten past their expiry date, in moderation of course, and it is best if a consumer uses their better judgment to decide if food is edible or not. For instance, eggs can be consumed three to five weeks after purchase, milk and yogurt are usually fine until a week after their date. Poultry and seafood need to be cooked or frozen within a day or two of being purchased, and beef and pork need to be cooked or frozen within three to five days of being purchased. Specific items, such as bread and cheese can be consumed past their date as well, but consumers should ensure there is no mold or any other type of fungi growing on it for it to be safe for consumption.

Fruit and vegetables vary but usually can be consumed within a week or so, but this is where an individual will need to base its quality on smell, feel, and even taste. Pantry and canned goods have a much more extensive life compared to fresh food, as highly acidic canned foods, such as tomato paste or sauce, can be kept for eighteen months or longer, and low-acidic canned foods, such as green beans, can last as long as five years. Pantry foods, such as a box of macaroni and cheese or crackers can be enjoyed months, or even a year later, and although some of the quality might have been lost, as it could now be stale, these goods are still safe to consume.