Is it safe to eat food after the best before/use by date?

Answer 1

if the food looks disgusting, don't eat it.

Answer 2

This is a complicated question. Most foods will be all right if consumed with in a few days after the use by date, but there are products one should not gamble on. The general rule of thumb that applies here is "when in doubt, throw it out." It is always better to be safe than sorry.

Answer 3

I've worked in a grocery store for 5 years and I've been told countless times that things are actually o.k. to eat a substantial amount of time past the best before date. Of course it makes a difference what it is. Almost everything has a best before date. Something like pancake syrup is going to last longer past the expiry date than a piece of fresh fish would. Always smell first, especially 'fresh' products and use common sense. (which I'm sure you would; no one enjoys food poisoning. :-))

Answer 4

as a former professional cook I can tell you that you may but you have to use some kind of decent judgment in that process... that warning is there primarily for insurance purposes but with sea foods and things of that natural just get something else that is within the time limit. I buy lots of things that are border line especially if they are marked down accordingly because I am a professional when it comes to handling and evaluating food and its quality and safety... if you re just a beginning cook with little experience in doing those things then it is best to leave those packages alone and buy what you are really sure of.

Answer 5

It depends upon the food and how much longer after the date. Milk, for instance, often is good for several days after the printed date. On the other hand, I have opened cartons of milk which clearly were not any good BEFORE the expiry date, so you have to look at it closely.

Answer 6

depends on the food, and how long after! I don't think there is some cootie fairy who comes around at midnight and turns the milk sour, but more than a day or so after, use the ol' sniff test. Meat goes a bit slimy, milk will have interesting globby bits as you pour it, cheese will go hard and then mouldy....use your common sense, and err on the side of caution!

Answer 7

I wouldnt recomend eating food after the "best by" date. There is a reason it is there.

Answer 8

If it is unopened it is safe, but the taste is best and the performance is best if used by Posted "best by" date. Obviously this does not apply to perishable items, like dairy products.

Answer 9

well it depend and sometimes even before the expired date can be bad if it smells looks or tastes funny dont eat it!!!!

Answer 10

it actually depends on what it is. some foods dont expire. some do. so make sure you watch out and probably ask your parent which foods expire and which ones dont.