Understanding Expiration Dates and Food Safety

As items fly off grocery shelves ahead of the winter storm, some North Texans may want to skip the lines and rely on what they already have at home. But if some of those foods are past their expiry dates, you might be wondering if they’re safe to eat. Here’s what to know about those dates, how to tell if your food has gone bad and which expired foods you can usually eat without worry.

Why Do Foods Have Expiration Dates?

Many dates on foods refer more to quality than safety, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Types of dates include:

• Sell-by date: This tells stores when to remove food products from shelves, but you can still eat the food after this date, according to WebMD. Dairy-based foods, for example, can be good a week after the sell-by date.
• Best-if-used-by date: This shows when a food will be of best quality. Canned goods, crackers and spices are some foods that use this date.
• Use-by date: This is the last date recommended to eat a product at its best quality. The date is selected by the product’s manufacturer, packer or distributor.

How to Tell If Your Food Has Gone Bad

Arizona State University has the following tips for what to look for to judge if your food is safe to eat or should be thrown out:

• Signs of spoilage, such as mold or discoloration.
• Texture changes from what is expected of that food, such as a slimy feeling, which may be a sign of bacterial growth.
• Changes in smell and/or taste.

Martha Lozano compares the different ground beef packages while shopping with her 12-year-old son, Julio Jr., at Malone’s Cost Plus in Dallas’ Pleasant Grove neighborhood on Monday, Nov. 3, 2025.

Juan Figueroa / Staff Photographer

Which Expired Foods Should You Avoid and Which Ones Can You Eat?

Avoid eating expired foods like meats, nuts (those high in unsaturated fats tend to go rancid) and fruits like strawberries. But there are some expired foods you can safely eat. These include:

• Canned goods: Canned goods can stay safe for a long time, especially if stored in a cool, dry place and kept in good condition, according to the USDA. For best quality, many canned goods are at their peak within about two to five years. If a can is bulging, swollen, rusted or badly dented, throw it out.
• Bread: Bread usually goes stale after its expiration date, but it’s still safe to eat, according to Prevention magazine. To extend its shelf life, put it in the fridge or freezer. If you see mold, toss it.
• Eggs: Once refrigerated at 40 degrees or lower, eggs typically keep three to five weeks from purchase, usually past the printed sell-by date, according to the USDA.
• Frozen foods: According to the USDA, frozen food is safe almost indefinitely because bacteria don’t grow in the freezer. But quality can decline over time, so older items are best used in dishes like soups or stews.
• Hard and semi-soft cheeses: These cheeses, like cheddar, Parmesan and Swiss, can keep for months in the fridge — often around six months unopened and several weeks once opened. If you spot a small patch of mold, you can usually cut it off with a clean knife and eat the rest.
• Cereal and dried pasta: Cereal may go stale after opening, but it’s usually still safe to eat. Unopened pasta can last up to two years, and about a year once opened, according to Delish.

For questions about a specific item, the USDA’s FoodKeeper app can help you check how long foods stay at peak quality and when it’s time to toss them.

Conclusion

Understanding expiration dates and food safety is crucial to maintaining a healthy diet and avoiding foodborne illnesses. By knowing the difference between various expiration dates and being able to identify signs of spoilage, you can make informed decisions about the food you eat. Additionally, being aware of which expired foods are safe to eat can help reduce food waste and save you money.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about expiration dates and food safety:

• Q: What does the “sell-by” date on a food product mean?
  A: The “sell-by” date tells stores when to remove food products from shelves, but you can still eat the food after this date.
• Q: Can I still eat food after its expiration date?
  A: It depends on the type of food and how it has been stored. Some foods, like canned goods and frozen foods, can be safe to eat for a long time after their expiration date, while others, like meats and dairy products, should be consumed before their expiration date.
• Q: How can I tell if food has gone bad?
  A: Check for signs of spoilage, such as mold or discoloration, and look for texture changes or unusual smells.
• Q: What is the USDA’s FoodKeeper app?
  A: The USDA’s FoodKeeper app helps you check