📅 What You Need to Know About Food Expiration Dates – When to Eat, When to Toss (Spoiler: Most Food Lasts Longer Than You Think!) 🍽️✅

Low-acid cans (beans, veggies): Up to 2–5 years

High-acid (tomatoes, fruit): Up to 18 months

✅ Dented or bulging cans? Toss immediately — risk of botulism.

🍪 Pantry Staples (Pasta, Rice, Flour)

Last 1–2 years past printed date if stored properly.

Bugs or rancid smell? Then it’s time to go.

👃 The Best Tool You Have: Your Senses

Forget the date. Ask yourself:

Smell it: Off odor? Toss it.

Look at it: Mold, discoloration, slime?

Taste it (if safe): Sour or bitter? Spit it out.

Your nose and eyes are better food-safety tools than any label.

🛑 Exceptions: When to Take Dates Seriously

While most foods are safe past their date, these few are different:

Infant Formula

Federally regulated — don’t use after “Use By” date

Baby Food

Quality and nutrient levels degrade

Ready-to-Eat Meats (e.g., deli turkey)

Higher risk of listeria — follow “Use By” closely

Perishable Meals (e.g., pre-made salads)

Toss if past date — no second chances

💡 Tips to Reduce Food Waste

✅ Store food properly – Use airtight containers, keep fridge at 40°F or below

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