Think Before you Throw

It’s been a long day, the dinner hour has passed, and you’re looking forward to a quick bowl of cereal before turning in for the night. Unfortunately, the expiration date on the box has passed and once again, you are tossing out a perfectly good box before even opening it.

Like with the scenario above, expiration dates can put a pause on dinner plans. Luckily, research has concluded that there are some foods which can still be eaten after the expiration date! Per the USDA,these foods include the following:

1. Canned foods: 4 years – signs of spoilage include warped can or bubbling mixture on top
2. Dairy: 1-2 weeks – beware of chunky consistency or funky odor
3. Cereal and other grains: 1 year – watch for rodent contamination indicated by bitten boxes
4. Frozen fruits and vegetables: 2-3 years – be careful of freezer burn affecting the taste
5. Eggs: 4-5 weeks – check for any cracks or strange odor

Lisa Osowski, a clinical dietitian at Advocate Condell Medical Center, Libertyville, Ill. explains how items with prolonged shelf life are often those which contain preservatives. These foods do not spoil as quickly because the preservatives help to block the growth of bacteria, molds or yeast.

Regardless of the addition of preservatives, these foods do contain the potential to spoil. Before eating, check to make sure that there are no signs of spoilage such as bad odor, chunky consistency, or a bubbling and frothy appearance. According to the FDA, consumption of spoiled foods can lead to food poisoning, which is attributed to bacteria such as B. cereus and E. coli.

Despite the safety of the foods mentioned by the FDA, Osowski also stresses the importance of remembering how preservatives are not healthy for the body if eaten consistently. “For optimal health,” Osowski says, “one should plan his or her menu with a heavy rotation of fresh fruits and veggies, meats and grains, and limited reliance on foods with added preservatives.”

Navigating when it’s time to throw something out versus when to keep it can be helpful in preventing food wastage. Remember the guidelines, and don’t let expiration dates ruin your late night snacks!