Most food probably lasts longer than you think!
There’s no standardized system for food dating in this country.
So is it really any wonder why dates onpackaged foodsare a bit, baffling?
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How Long Are Foods Good After the Expiration Date?
With that in mind, here are the recommended expiration date guidelines for common foods thrown away too early.
Food Expiration Date Chart
How Long Does Canned Food Last?
Yes,canned foodcan go bad.
How Long Does Frozen Food Last?
Items from the freezer section are safe to eat indefinitely.
They have expiration dates because they won’t taste good forever; flavor and texture break down over time.
(Bacteria can’t grow in the freezer, but they can survive.
If you don’t cook an item after you defrost it, the bacteria could still be dangerous.)
How Long Do Leftovers Last?
Have a giant pot of chili that would feed a team of football players?
Don’t let uneaten food linger on the counter for more than two hours.
The longer a dish sits at room temperature, the more susceptible it is to bacteria growth.
It’s fine to put warm food in the refrigerator or freezer.
Meanwhile, leftover meals youstore in the freezershould be tossed in three to four months.
Heres when you should throw out canned and frozen foods.
Food Storage Guidelines Chart
Are you still concerned your food has gone bad?
you could even print out the charts below and put it up on the fridge for future reference.
This first one covers all things dairy, including cheese, yogurt, and milk.
Pantry
This chart covers pantry items, including rice, pasta, and condiments.
Produce
Finally, refer to this chart for information about storing fruits and vegetables.
So if a product says 101525, it means that the product expires on October 15, 2025.
Generally speaking, yes, it is safe to buy food on its expiration date.
Most shelf-stable foods are safe to eat much longer than their expiration date.
The same goes for frozen foods, as bacteria cannot grow in the freezer.
This is because of the natural breakdown of organic matter.
You’ll also be able to tell that these foods have gone bad based on their appearance and smell.
USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service,Food Product Dating.
Accessed Jan. 18, 2023.
Accessed Jan. 18, 2023.
Accessed Jan. 18, 2023.
