Do Expiration Dates Really Matter?

Can ‘Expired’ Food Make Me Sick?

When it comes to expiry dates, consumers should use common sense and determine if food is still edible based on personal standards by its feel, smell, and even taste. Yes, some foods past its date, such as poultry, milk and some dairy products, can make you sick if consumed, however, a majority of foods are usually alright to consume past their dates, at least for a little while. Study co-author and director of Harvard Food Law & Policy Clinic, Emily Broad Leib, stated quality and freshness dates are good as long as it is clearly communicated to individuals and they know what the dates mean, as she believes there should be a standard date and wording used to avoid confusion. Leib even acknowledged that if food is consumed after its ideal quality date, it is not necessarily harmful, but consumers should be using their own judgment based on their senses. For instance, a strawberry-flavored beverage may lose its red color, or oats in a granola bar may lose their crunch, but while it may not look as appetizing, the food is still safe to eat.

Continue reading to find out what the government regulations are for expiry dates within the food industry.