For example, refrigerated eggs can last five weeks after they were purchased.
And breakfast cereal can last for three months, even after its been opened.
Understanding what the expiration date labels mean might help cut down on unnecessary food waste in your household.
Amelia Manley / Getty Images
Did You Know?
A use by date is the last date recommended for the use of the product while at peak quality.
None of these dates refers to food safety.
But she often sees customers place items back on the shelf if the best-by date is approaching.
However, the food industry doesnt have much of a financial incentive to change its practices.
If consumers throw away food thats past its expiration date, they would end up buying more new products.
So the consumers are very confused, and who benefits from this?
The manufacturers, Hem-Lee said.
How Can You Tell If the Foods Are Still Safe?
But deli meat really only lasts a few days, she added.
There are ways to determine when a food product has gone bad besides looking at expiration dates.
Throw out food that smells bad, looks odd, or has mold growing on it, Matthies suggested.
But this practice wont help people identify all foodborne pathogens.
What This Means For You
Expiration dates don’t indicate safety.
It’s best to use your senses to judge whether a food product is still safe for consumption.
Food and Drug Administration.How to cut food waste and maintain food safety.
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.FoodKeeper app.
U.S. Department of Agriculture.Food product dating.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Foodborne germs and illnesses.
Michigan State University Extension.Listeria is a harmful bacteria you cant see, smell or taste.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Four steps to food safety: clean, separate, cook, chill.
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.How to keep produce fresh longer - infographic.
