Beyond the expiry date: What foods are safe to consume?

The implications of an expiry date can vary. While some food items should be discarded immediately after their expiry date, others can be consumed safely for a few days or even longer. It's important to understand which products are safe for consumption even after their expiration date so that we don't risk our health by eating spoiled food.

Bread

We're not talking about pre-packaged bread that goes bad two days after opening, but about real sourdough bread. It still remains edible past its expiration date, though it may dry out. Look out for signs of mold, which indicates that it is spoiled.

Canned Corn

Cans usually bear the label "best consumed before ...". This isn't a strict expiry date. You can still consume the product several months past this date, under the condition that it is kept in a dry, cool place, and the packaging isn't damaged or bloated.

Parmesan

This hard, long-fermented rennet cheese, perfect for pizza or spaghetti, remains edible up to two weeks after its expiry date. That, of course, works only when it is stored in a refrigerator, in a glass container, and shows no signs of mold.

Honey

Natural honey remains edible indefinitely. Commercial honey has an expiry date, but it does not spoil quickly and retains its nutritional properties. Simply ensure that it is stored in a sealed jar at an appropriate temperature (50-59 degrees Fahrenheit) and in a dry place to extend its shelf life.

The list also includes:

• Pasta - it remains edible several months after the expiration date, provided it is stored in a sealed package and in a dry, dark place,
• Rice - like pasta, rice also has a long post-expiration shelf life. Properly stored, rice can last up to 20 years,
• Clarified butter - stored in the refrigerator, clarified butter remains usable several months past its expiry date; always check for a rancid smell before use, as this indicates spoilage,
• Canned tuna - this product lasts long past its expiration date when appropriately stored in the refrigerator and in undamaged original packaging,
• Oat flakes - oat flakes remain edible for up to 8 years past their expiration date,
• Chocolate - good for another 3 months past its expiration date; the white coating sometimes seen on chocolate is just fat, not a sign of spoilage.