Q: I went through my pantry over the weekend and found food that was expired. Should I throw it all out, is it unsafe?
A: “Open dating,” the use of calendar dates, is stamped on a product’s package to help the store determine how long to display the product for sale and to help the purchaser know the time limit for purchasing the product at its best quality. It is not a safety date. Except for infant formula, product dating is not required by Federal regulations. Open dating is found primarily on perishable foods such as meat, poultry, eggs and dairy products.
When open dating is used, an explanatory statement must be included on the product’s label. Examples include; “Sell-By” dates that tell stores how long to display products for sale; “Best if Used Before” dates are recommended for best flavor or quality; “use-by” dates are the last date recommended for the use of the product at peak quality (determined by manufacturer). Except for “use-by” dates, products don’t always pertain to home storage and use after purchase. Even if the date expires during home storage, a product should be safe, wholesome and of good quality if handled properly. Canned goods must exhibit a packing code to enable tracking of the product, this enables manufacturers to rotate their stock as well as locate their products in the event of a recall. Cans may also display open dates, usually “best if used by” dates for peak quality. Canned foods are safe indefinitely as long as they are not exposed to freezing temperatures, or temperatures above 90 °F. If the cans look ok, they are safe to use. Discard cans that are dented, rusted, or swollen. High-acid canned foods (tomatoes, fruits) will keep their best quality for 12 to 18 months; low-acid canned foods (meats, vegetables) for 2 to 5 years. Egg cartons with a USDA grade must display a “pack date.” The “Sell-By” date on a carton must not exceed forty five days from the date of pack. Always purchase eggs before the “Sell-By” date. For best quality, use with three to five weeks of date of purchase.
Tips to storing food and using it at top quality include; purchasing the product before the expiration date; If perishable, take the food home immediately after purchase and refrigerate promptly; and follow handling recommendations on the product. Consult the http://www.fsis.usda.gov/ and search for “food product dating” for further charts on food storage times.