Cna Explains: Can You Eat Food Past Its Expiry Date?

We've all been there - you open your cupboard, ready to prepare a delicious meal, only to discover that the food you planned to use has gone past its best before date. So, what should you do? Can you still eat it, or is it safer to throw it away?

According to experts, the answer is not always cut and dry. While best before dates are an indication of the quality of the food, they do not necessarily mean that the food is no longer safe to eat. Best before dates are based on lab or shelf life tests conducted by manufacturers, and they are chosen well before the food actually spoils.

Use your senses to judge

So, if you find yourself in this situation, experts advise using your senses to judge whether the food is still edible. Look for any signs of spoilage, such as mold or unusual growth on the product. Use your sense of smell to detect any off-putting odors. And if you're brave enough, give it a taste test to see if there are any bitter, alcoholic, or acidic notes. However, it's important to note that even if the food looks and smells fine, chemical reactions may have already occurred or there may be the presence of harmful microorganisms such as bacteria, yeast, or mold.

In such cases, it's always a good idea to refer to credible websites that provide food storage guidelines, such as the U.S government's food safety website. These databases can help you make an informed decision about whether the food is still safe to consume.

Nutrients may still be present

One thing to keep in mind is that while the appearance of food may deteriorate over time, the nutritional value can still be present. Fruits and vegetables, for example, may start to wrinkle or lose their firmness, but they can still be nutritious. Vitamins, however, are generally the most sensitive nutrients and may degrade faster than other nutrients. Minerals, proteins, and carbohydrates tend to be more stable and may remain intact even if the food has gone past its best before date.

The final verdict

In the end, the decision to consume food past its best before date is a personal one, but it's important to consider the potential risks involved. If you choose to eat food that has expired, do so at your own risk and only if you are confident that it has been stored under proper conditions. Trust your senses, refer to credible sources for guidance, and always prioritize your health and safety.