What happens to food when expired?

 Why there is a expiration date?

   The date you notice on your product is not actually the date when the food gets spoiled. expiration dates reflect the time period during which the product is known to remain stable, which means it retains its strength, quality, and purity when it is stored according to its labelled storage conditions. This is designed to provide confidence that the product will meet the applicable standards of strength, quality, and purity throughout its shelf-life.

Ways in which these are expressed.

 1. Sell-By Date

Refrigerated products most often have sell-by dates on the labels. Stores use this date to know when to remove products from shelves. You can eat food after the sell-by date. For example, dairy products are good for 1 week after the sell-by date. Eggs are safe for 3 to 5 weeks after the sell-by date.

2. Best if Used by Date

Eat your food before this date for the best Flavors and quality. Your food doesn’t spoil after this date, but it may dry out or not taste as good.‌

Pack dates: Manufacturers and retailers use this date to track and rotate inventory. Your food may be good for months or even years after this date with proper storage. Compromised packages have holes, dents, or bulges. Don’t eat food from damaged packaging because it may not be good. Don’t eat food if it has a bad smell.‌

3. Use-By Date

Eat food by this date for the best quality. Manufacturers assign these dates to food products. Your food may be good past the use-by date.

4. Expiration Date

Expiration dates use phrases like “expires on” or “do not use after” for products.These products have an expiration because they may not function the same after the date listed. Yeast may not be as effective. Medications may not offer the same results. Baking mixes, jams, and jellies may not have the desired texture.

5. Quality Assurance Date

Manufacturers and retailers use this wording on products with a long shelf life. Your food products may be good after the quality assurance date. They may lose some flavour, or the texture may change. Keep in mind that quality is not the same as safety.

Is it safe to eat food after its expiration date?

 Most food is still safe to eat after the expiration or “use by” date. Even milk and eggs are usually safe after the expiration date. Rather than using the expiration date to determine whether to throw out food, your senses should be your guide. The taste, smell and look of the product will tell you if it’s spoiled and should be thrown out.