Many of the “best by” and “sell by” dates on our food are simply suggestions for peak quality. It is perfectly safe to eat a can of beans or a box of crackers that is past its date. However, this rule is not universal. For a number of common, perishable grocery items, the expiration date is a serious safety deadline. Eating these thirteen foods after they have expired can expose you to a host of dangerous bacteria and can lead to a serious case of foodborne illness.
1. Deli Meats
Pre-packaged and freshly sliced deli meats are a major risk for a dangerous bacterium called Listeria. This bacterium can grow even in the cold environment of your refrigerator. You should always use your deli meat before the “use by” date. You should also throw away any package that has been open for more than five days.
2. Soft Cheeses
Soft cheeses, like Brie, feta, and queso fresco, are another high-risk food for Listeria contamination. Unlike a hard cheese, you cannot simply cut the mold off a soft cheese. The mold and the bacteria can penetrate the entire product. You should always discard a soft cheese that is past its expiration date or that has any visible mold.
3. Pre-Cut Fruits and Salads
The convenience of a pre-cut fruit salad or a bagged salad comes with a higher safety risk. The extra handling of the produce during the cutting process increases the chance of contamination with bacteria like E. coli or Salmonella. These items should be eaten well before their expiration date and should be thrown away at the first sign of spoilage.
4. Fresh Berries
Fresh berries, like strawberries and raspberries, are very prone to growing mold. Some of these molds can produce mycotoxins, which are harmful substances that can make you sick. You should inspect your berries for any signs of mold before you eat them. You need to discard the entire container if you see any.
5. Raw Sprouts
Raw sprouts, such as alfalfa or bean sprouts, are grown in a warm, moist environment that is a perfect breeding ground for dangerous bacteria. They have been linked to numerous outbreaks of E. coli and Salmonella. You should eat them as soon as possible after you buy them. You should never consume them after their expiration date.
6. Shellfish
Fresh shellfish, like clams, oysters, and mussels, can spoil very quickly. They can harbor a variety of dangerous bacteria. You should only buy shellfish from a reputable source. You must also cook them on the day that you buy them. An expired or a dead shellfish can be a source of a very serious foodborne illness.
7. Unpasteurized Juices
Unpasteurized, or “raw,” juices have not been heat-treated to kill off any potential bacteria. This means they can be a source of E. coli or other pathogens. These juices will have a very short shelf life. You must consume them before the expiration date on the bottle.
8. Fresh Meat and Poultry
The “use by” or “freeze by” date on a package of raw chicken, beef, or pork is a critical safety deadline. As raw meat begins to spoil, it can grow a huge amount of harmful bacteria. You should either cook or freeze your fresh meat before this date to avoid the risk of food poisoning.
9. Cooked Rice
This is a surprising one for many people. Cooked rice can contain the spores of a bacterium called Bacillus cereus. If the cooked rice is left at room temperature, these spores can grow and produce a toxin that can cause food poisoning. You should always refrigerate your leftover rice as soon as possible and eat it within a day or two.
10. Mayonnaise and Creamy Salads
Once a jar of mayonnaise has been opened or a creamy deli salad has been made, it becomes a perishable item. These products can be a breeding ground for bacteria if they are not kept consistently cold. You should always discard them if they have been left out at room temperature for more than two hours.
11. Smoked Fish
Smoked fish, like smoked salmon, is another product with a high risk for Listeria. While the smoking process does preserve the fish, it does not kill all the bacteria. You should be especially careful with this product if you are pregnant or have a compromised immune system. You need to always use it before its expiration date.
12. Fresh Eggs in the Shell
While eggs can last for a long time, they are not immune to spoilage. An old egg can be contaminated with Salmonella. A simple way to check an egg is to place it in a bowl of water. A fresh egg will sink, but an old, expired egg will float. This is a sign that you should throw it away.
13. Ground Meat
Ground meat is more perishable than a solid cut of steak or a roast. The grinding process exposes more of the meat’s surface area to the air and to potential bacterial contamination. This is why ground beef has a shorter shelf life. You should always use it within a day or two of purchasing it.
The Date That Matters
While many of the dates on our food are just suggestions, the expiration dates on these thirteen perishable items are a serious matter. For these high-risk foods, the date on the package is a critical safety warning that you should always take seriously. When it comes to the health and the safety of your family, the old saying is the best one: when in doubt, throw it out. It is a simple rule that can save you from a very unpleasant and potentially dangerous experience.
What is your number one rule for food safety in your own kitchen? Have you ever gotten sick from eating expired food? Let us know your story!
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