Do eating out-of-date foods hurt?

Some foods can be consumed even after the expiration date on the label as some products are stored beyond the stated date. Therefore, before consuming any product it is important to pay attention to the appearance, smell, texture and flavor of the food, even when it is within the expiration date.

Spices, canned goods, pasta, rice and beans are some examples of foods that can be eaten safely even after their expiration date has expired. The shelf-life is only a reference period defined by the manufacturer during which the food must maintain its nutritional and health qualities for consumption as long as stored properly, but normally this period may be even longer than indicated.

How to know if a food can be consumed

To identify whether a food with the expiration date may or may not be consumed, it is important to evaluate the following characteristics:

1. Color: watch closely if the color of the food is as expected or if it has undergone changes. A good example is the packaged meat, which when it begins to rot it undergoes small changes in its color, beginning to turn a greenish color;
2. Smell: the second step step to identify whether or not the food can be consumed is through its smell, which could indicate if the food is sour, spoiled or rotten, for example. A great example is the soup, which when they begin to rot is left with a sour smell;
3. Texture: The texture also helps to identify whether or not a food is good to eat, as if it changes or appears to be frosty, grainy or thick, it may indicate that the food is spoiled. A good example of this is the cream of milk, which when spoiled becomes carved and its texture is no longer homogeneous.

Lastly, the last test to feed is its taste, and it is advisable to taste a small amount of the food before consuming it in its entirety or using it for cooking.

These tips help avoid consuming spoiled overdue foods contaminated with parasites or bacteria that can cause food poisoning.

Foods that can be consumed after the deadline

Some foods that may be good after the expiration date include:

• Dried pasta and rice;
• Beans and tomato pulp;
• Canned products such as tuna, corn, beans or condensed milk, for example;
• Flour, salt and sugar;
• Spices and tea;
• Mineral water;
• Olive oil and oil;
• Dried fruits and popcorn corn;
• Soft drinks, such as coke or guarana;
• Frozen vegetables.

These foods can usually be consumed a few months after their expiration date, as long as there are no changes in their color, smell, texture or taste. In addition, their packaging must also be sealed and stored as indicated by the manufacturer.

Medications and supplements are some exceptions that should only be used when within the expiration date as they may represent a health hazard.