baby food question?

Question

if the date on the top of the jar is past do you have to throw it away because it says "best if used by" so does that mean that it is bad after that date?

i was just wondering because i have a jar of apples and they taste fine to me but i dont know if i should just toss it out baby food is kind of expensive for my budget

i know this seems like a stupid question but i was just wondering

no a jar is not more than a dollar actually the 3rd foods (big jars) are 75 cents here but when your child eats 4 jars a day that gets expensive

Answer 1

I just threw out 2 jars last night that expired at the beginning of August. I'm sure they were fine but I didn't want to chance it. And no it's not a stupid question, I know that 75 cents can add up quickly.
I am staying at home with our daughter and money is extremely tight. I make the majority of her baby food because it's fresher, healthier and so much cheaper. If you'd like I would be happy to share with you some of the recipes I've come up with. Some of the meals I prepare take about 5 minutes to make. E-mail me if you are interested.

Answer 2

I'd throw it out. Just to be safe. I don't even like taking chances with my own food, let alone my child's. And I never had baby food around long enough that the date was past. Besides, a jar isn't any more than a dollar, right?

Answer 3

If you are in serious doubt, or you think it tastes bad or will harm your baby, then throw it out.

If it tastes okay to you, and it's not out of date by more than a week or 2, then it should be fine. If it was stored in a hot place, it may have gine bad, but again, if it tastes ok to you ,then it should be fine for your baby. Trust me, I understand how expensive baby food is, and I know that you never want to throw any of it out.

Also, if it would help your budget, there is a little thing that my stepmother bought me for my baby shower that basically takes fruits and veggies, and mushes them up into baby food. I think it's called a "Baby Food Mill." http://www.mothernature.com/shop/detail.cfm/sku/69999/rfr/SHO

It's only $10 or so and is well worth the investment. I used it for both of my daughters, and it is still going strong. It definitely reduced my baby food spending. I went from buying baby food fruits, veggies, and dinners, to just buying the meats (you can grind meat in this thing, too, but since there is no blade in it, you have to cook the meat so long that it's almost not worth it). They also make baby food processors, that do have a blade. They're a little more expensive(I've seen them at Babies R Us for $19.99), but since they have a blade, they are a little easier to do the meats in. I hope this helps. Good Luck with your baby!

Answer 4

The "Best If Used By" date is intended to tell you how long the product will retain best flavor or quality. The term is not a safety date.

"Best If Used By" dates are intended as useful guidelines. Some foods may deteriorate more quickly and other foods may last longer than times suggested. A number of factors can shorted the useful life of a food product, such as improper handling and inadequate storage temperatures.

Products kept past the "Best If Used By" date are not necessarily "out of condition." Food products may be eaten after the "Best If Used By" date if the product has been properly stored, handled, and the primary container is in good condition.

http://www.dpi.state.wi.us/fns/commbest.html

I never gave my kids anything if it was past the date.

Answer 5

They don't mean as much as many people think they do. Most food is still edible after the expiration date but may not be very tasty. (Of course, lots of packaged food isn't much good before the expiration date, but that's another question).

Most people are surprised to find out that:

Stores are not legally required to remove food once the expiration date has passed. They are strictly "advisory" in nature.
Dating is not federally required, except for infant formula and baby food. States have varying laws. Most states require that milk and other perishables be sold before the expiration date.

The major codes are:

Sell by Don't buy the product after this date. This is the "expiration date."
Best if used by Flavor or quality is best by this date but the product is still edible thereafter.
Use by This is the last day that the manufacturer vouches for the product's quality.


I buy organic veggies and blend them into mush for my baby. I wouldn't give my baby expired food but it's up to you.

Answer 6

Expiration dates on food do have a little lee way if it only out of date by a few days and it is something like pureed carrots or a fruit or vegetable it should be fine. Dairy on the other hand should be thrown away. But if you are in doubt dont use it.

Answer 7

If it is over 2-3 days past the date throw it away.Even though baby food is expensive it is better to be safe than sorry.Always check the dates on them at the store cause sometimes they are already expired when you buy them.This happens alot when you buy yogurt also.

Answer 8

Throw it out. It will be more expensive paying medical bills and taking care of a sick baby

Answer 9

If it tastes OK to you and the date is *JUST* passed, it might be OK to try.

Have you considered making your own baby food? It is MUCH cheaper!

Answer 10

I'd throw it out. Last thing you want is a baby sick from bad food.