Topic 3.3: How to deal with products whose Best Before date or Expiration date has passed
It may be tempting to throw away food after the best before date. Many believe that consuming food that has passed this date may make them sick. This is not the case, but may be the case on specific products once the expiration date is passed. Natural occurring degradation is not the case of foodborne illnesses, but it affects the organoleptic properties and may affect the taste of a product.
If the food is left at room temperature for longer than 2 hours, throw it away. After preparing a meal, store leftovers quickly to avoid contamination. Counters and food preparation surfaces should be appropriately sanitised and kept clean to avoid contamination from harmful bacteria.
Freeze food that won’t be consumed immediately. Since bacteria cannot develop below freezing point, freezing extends the shelf life of your food. Milk, bread, and cheese are all freezable. Eggs should be beaten before being placed in a covered container if you intend to freeze them.
Extend the life of your produce with better storage techniques. Examples include:
- Wrapping broccoli stalks in a damp paper towel
- Keeping celery in aluminum foil
- Storing asparagus in a cup of water
When it is time to dispose of any food you have not eaten, you can compost produce and packaged food such as bread. Composting is like recycling because you put your food to use instead of throwing it away.
Some foods do not need to be labeled with a minimum shelf life date. These include:
- Fresh fruits, vegetables (including potatoes), which typically do not bear a minimum shelf life date.
- Bakery or confectionery products, which are usually consumed within 24 hours of manufacture, making minimum shelf life date labels not required for them.
- Products such as vinegar, table salt, sugar, confectionery products based mainly on sugar with flavorings or colors, and chewing gum.