Do Food Expiration Dates Really Mean Anything?

Do you really need to throw food away by the date printed on the carton?

If not, how long do you have before it really goes bad?

Here’s what I found that may surprise you.

Some people have a fear of snakes.

Others are afraid of heights.

For me, it’s spoiled food.

There comes a time when everyone has to face their fears.

And that’s going to start with a little digging into expiration dates.

Do Ireallyneed to throw food away by the date printed on the carton or the use-by date on meat?

If not, how long do I have before it really goes bad?

And what does “going bad” really mean?

Here are five facts about expiration dates that may surprise you:

1.

This is not the case.

According to theUSDA, the federal government does not require expiration dates on food.

Although some states do require them: There are dating regulations when it comes to infant formula.

How Long Will My Food Last If It Goes past the Expiration Date?

A"Use-by" dateis the last day the manufacturer recommends using the product based onquality, not safety.

That depends on what it is and how it was handled.

The USDA recommends using products that display the “Use-by” date by that time.

If you’re concerned about food safety, use your nose.

If it’s bad, you’ll know right away.

It’s the same for milk.

Could Food Lose Its Nutritional Value Before It’s Expired?

That depends on the food.

Take orange juice, for example.

(And that could happen even before it reaches its expiration date.)

Is Food Safe After It Expires?

Expiration dates refer to quality, not safety.

But this could happen to any food and is not related to expiration dates.

Food stored properly lasts longer and is safer to eat.