topic Re: What Do Food Expiration Dates Really Mean? in Kitchen

What Do Food Expiration Dates Really Mean?

Kachina624 — Wed, 16 Dec 2020 18:02:17 GMT

I've seen question about these dates arise often.

Who sets expiration dates?

Though they are relatively universal on packed foods, "Best if Used By" dates are not required by federal regulations (except for on infant formula). They are a voluntary label that is decided by the manufacturer, packer or distributor. Though it is typically based on an analysis of the product over its shelf life, the dates are to inform customers of when the food is at peak quality, not an indicator of food safety. The Food Safety Inspection Service of the USDA states that "if the date passes during home storage, a product should still be safe and wholesome if handled properly until spoilage is evident". There is no regulation or standardization of these dates, so they are not an end-all-be-all for when you should throw something away.

Re: What Do Food Expiration Dates Really Mean?

ECBG — Wed, 16 Dec 2020 18:04:50 GMT

"Best by" is most likely handled by nutritionists whom have food science in their background.

Re: What Do Food Expiration Dates Really Mean?

Kachina624 — Wed, 16 Dec 2020 19:51:18 GMT

I often keep eggs quite awhile since I don't often use them. I throw many cartons away and buy new. I had no idea they'd keep this long.

3. Eggs

Eggs are something I always have on hand, but rarely keep track of how long they have been in the fridge. Living alone means I only use one or two eggs at a time unless I'm cooking for someone else too, so they can sit in the fridge for a while. Luckily, eggs can last nearly 70 days if properly refrigerated. That's typically three to four weeks beyond the expiration date

Re: What Do Food Expiration Dates Really Mean?

froggy — Wed, 16 Dec 2020 20:34:39 GMT

@Kachina624 wrote:
I often keep eggs quite awhile since I don't often use them. I throw many cartons away and buy new. I had no idea they'd keep this long.

3. Eggs
Eggs are something I always have on hand, but rarely keep track of how long they have been in the fridge. Living alone means I only use one or two eggs at a time unless I'm cooking for someone else too, so they can sit in the fridge for a while. Luckily, eggs can last nearly 70 days if properly refrigerated. That's typically three to four weeks beyond the expiration date

We actually eat quite a lot of eggs but sometimes will go a while where we don't use many. We have frequently eaten eggs that are a few weeks old. No problems.

As for canned or jarred foods, if they get way beyond their "best by" date I just figure they may be stale tasting but not spoiled.

Re: What Do Food Expiration Dates Really Mean?

RedTop — Wed, 16 Dec 2020 21:17:11 GMT

I really don't pay much attention to the dates on food, except milk, and if it is going bad I use it in biscuits or cornbread.

Having said that, the most likely things to find out of date here would be something boxed, like Rice-a-Roni, or a condiment such as A1 or Worcestershire, and we are still going to eat it anyway.

I have 8 dozen eggs in my fridge right now; obviously some will be out of date when we eat them in January, but they will be used, not tossed.

Re: What Do Food Expiration Dates Really Mean?

Sooner — Wed, 16 Dec 2020 21:21:43 GMT

Well, if it is an issue it could mean:

1. You are buying stuff you don't need.

2. You don't clean out the pantry and fridge often enough.

Please don't ask upon what evidence I base this opinion.

Re: What Do Food Expiration Dates Really Mean?

Xivambala — Wed, 16 Dec 2020 22:39:57 GMT

When all else fails, your nose is an excellent guide. I once mistakenly ate some jarred spaghetti sauce from the fridge that had mold growing on the lid. I didn't realize that's what it was and thought the dark color was some of the meat sauce. I lived and them threw out the remaining. My mother is the worst thought and will keep things for 1 and 2 years after an expiration date. Way too long for me.

Re: What Do Food Expiration Dates Really Mean?

loriqvc — Wed, 16 Dec 2020 23:19:00 GMT

Interestingly, last year several organizations launched an initiative to clarify and refine all the terminology to make decisions easier for consumers, in particular for perishable items with shorter shelf lives, but I don't believe they've finished the process yet. I'm guessing it will definitely make the news when there's a more formal standard in place.

Re: What Do Food Expiration Dates Really Mean?

Carmie — Wed, 16 Dec 2020 23:22:13 GMT

@Kachina624 wrote:
I often keep eggs quite awhile since I don't often use them. I throw many cartons away and buy new. I had no idea they'd keep this long.

3. Eggs
Eggs are something I always have on hand, but rarely keep track of how long they have been in the fridge. Living alone means I only use one or two eggs at a time unless I'm cooking for someone else too, so they can sit in the fridge for a while. Luckily, eggs can last nearly 70 days if properly refrigerated. That's typically three to four weeks beyond the expiration date

Put your eggs in a bowl or glass of water. If they float to the top toss them. If they sink, they are fresh. If the narrow end of the egg is facing up...use ASAP. They are safe, but won't last much longer.

Re: What Do Food Expiration Dates Really Mean?

Kachina624 — Thu, 17 Dec 2020 03:33:04 GMT

I cook the older eggs and feed them to the dogs.

Re: What Do Food Expiration Dates Really Mean?

denisemb — Thu, 17 Dec 2020 03:35:16 GMT

Two sites I occasionally use are www.eatbydate.com and www.stilltasty.com if it's an item I'm of which I'm unsure. They also give freezer times.

Re: What Do Food Expiration Dates Really Mean?

Still Raining — Thu, 17 Dec 2020 14:50:45 GMT

For me a date just means that I should not buy it again, since it is obvious that I won't eat it in this world. A clue to pick another taste.

Re: What Do Food Expiration Dates Really Mean?

goldensrbest — Thu, 17 Dec 2020 17:18:17 GMT

@Kachina624 You said in 2 posts, different replys, one you throw away, other you give them to your dogs.

Re: What Do Food Expiration Dates Really Mean?

icezeus — Thu, 17 Dec 2020 17:23:36 GMT

@Kachina624 wrote:
I often keep eggs quite awhile since I don't often use them. I throw many cartons away and buy new. I had no idea they'd keep this long.

3. Eggs
Eggs are something I always have on hand, but rarely keep track of how long they have been in the fridge. Living alone means I only use one or two eggs at a time unless I'm cooking for someone else too, so they can sit in the fridge for a while. Luckily, eggs can last nearly 70 days if properly refrigerated. That's typically three to four weeks beyond the expiration date

Thanks for the egg information. I also live alone, and always check the expiration date while purchasing, once I receive them at home I never keep track of the expiration date. I just eat them as I please and I have never had a problem. Perhaps because you can go 70 days past the expiration date.

Re: What Do Food Expiration Dates Really Mean?

Kachina624 — Thu, 17 Dec 2020 22:35:07 GMT

@goldensrbest wrote:
@Kachina624 You said in 2 posts, different replys, one you throw away, other you give them to your dogs.

@goldensrbest. I do both depending on how old the eggs are and how much I'm in the mood to cook.