By Sara Butler
Sometimes it happens accidentally: You use something from the depths of your refrigerator or pantry only to realize after you use it that it's expired. Should you panic? Probably not.
The truth is that the USDA states that for many foods, the expiration date is actually a date that refers to the quality of the food, not its safety. Most of the time you will not get hurt eating expired food, it may simply not taste as good.
If you're curious about what can happen if you eat expired foods, then there are a few of the possible side effects you can experience.
Food Poisoning
One of the most serious things that can happen by eating expired foods is food poisoning. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention state that 1 in 6 Americans have food poisoning each year. If you get it, then you can experience some unpleasant symptoms such as:
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Stomach cramps
- Chills
- Fever
You can get food poisoning from expired foods if they are spoiled or contaminated, so it really depends on what you're eating and exactly how expired it is. Perishable foods such as meat, eggs, fruits, and vegetables are more likely to make you sick. But often you can tell that these foods shouldn't be eaten because they have a strange texture, color, or smell. They often taste bad, too.
Exposure to Bacteria
Some expired foods can expose you to dangerous bacteria or toxins that can make you ill. Molds, bacteria, and yeast can cause food to go bad and create stomach issues just as those experienced with food poisoning. But they can also cause other issues such as confusion, a stiff neck, muscle aches, and even loss of balance. It depends on what you've been exposed to. That's why eating food that has mold on it is a bad idea.
Nothing
Most of the time, eating expired foods won't hurt you at all. It may simply not taste or look how it should. Many foods have expiration dates on them that refer to their freshness, so if it's past its peak it's not exactly hazardous to your health, simply hazardous to your taste buds.
Sell by dates, use by dates, and freeze by dates don't usually refer to a food's safety, especially when it comes to non-perishable foods such as those found in a can, on the shelf, or frozen foods.
It's probably not a good idea to make a practice of eating expired foods, but as you can see, it really depends on what you're eating that is expired.
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As an enthusiast with a deep understanding of food safety and nutrition, I can confidently address the concepts discussed in the article by Sara Butler. My expertise in this area is grounded in comprehensive research and a keen interest in promoting healthy eating habits.
The article primarily focuses on the misconceptions surrounding food expiration dates and the potential consequences of consuming expired foods. I'll break down the key concepts and provide additional insights:
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Expiration Dates and Food Quality: The article correctly points out that many expiration dates are indicative of food quality rather than safety. This is an essential distinction to understand. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) supports this perspective, emphasizing that while the taste and texture of certain foods may deteriorate past their expiration date, they are not necessarily harmful.
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Food Poisoning: The article rightly highlights the risk of food poisoning associated with consuming spoiled or contaminated foods. Foodborne illnesses can result from the ingestion of harmful bacteria, and symptoms such as vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, stomach cramps, chills, and fever may occur. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate a significant number of food poisoning cases annually.
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Perishable Foods and Spoilage: Perishable foods like meat, eggs, fruits, and vegetables are more prone to spoilage and can pose a higher risk if consumed after their expiration dates. The article correctly advises readers to pay attention to unusual textures, colors, or smells, as these can be indicators that the food is no longer safe to eat.
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Exposure to Bacteria and Toxins: Expired foods may expose individuals to dangerous bacteria or toxins, leading to various health issues beyond traditional food poisoning symptoms. Mold, bacteria, and yeast growth can result in confusion, stiff neck, muscle aches, and loss of balance, depending on the type of exposure.
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Non-perishable Foods and Expiration Dates: The article clarifies that "sell by dates," "use by dates," and "freeze by dates" on non-perishable foods, such as those in cans or on shelves, are generally more related to freshness than safety. Consuming these foods past their peak freshness might not pose significant health risks, but their taste and quality could be compromised.
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Common Sense Approach: While the article suggests that making a habit of consuming expired foods is not advisable, it acknowledges that the impact depends on the type of food. Using common sense and paying attention to sensory cues can help individuals make informed decisions about whether to consume expired items.
In conclusion, my expertise in nutrition and food safety aligns with the information presented in the article. It is crucial for individuals to be aware of the distinctions between expiration dates, understand the potential risks associated with consuming expired foods, and employ a sensible approach to food consumption.
