13 Foods You Should Never Eat After Their Expiration Date

13 Foods You Should Never Eat After Their Expiration Date

Food date labels can be confusing. In many countries, labels such as “Best By” or “Best Before” refer to quality rather than safety. However, some highly perishable foods can become unsafe to eat after their “Use By” or expiration date and should be discarded. When in doubt, follow the manufacturer’s instructions and store foods properly.

1. Deli Meats

Sliced ham, turkey, roast beef, and other deli meats can develop harmful bacteria even when refrigerated. If they’ve passed their “Use By” date or have an off smell, slimy texture, or discoloration, throw them away.

2. Fresh Ground Meat

Ground beef, pork, chicken, and turkey spoil faster than whole cuts because bacteria can be mixed throughout the meat during processing. Don’t use ground meat after its expiration or “Use By” date.

3. Raw Poultry

Chicken, turkey, duck, and other raw poultry are highly perishable. If the package has expired or the meat feels slimy or smells unpleasant, discard it.

4. Raw Seafood

Fresh fish, shrimp, scallops, and shellfish spoil quickly and should not be eaten after their expiration or “Use By” date. Seafood with a strong, sour, or ammonia-like odor should also be thrown away.

5. Soft Cheeses

Soft cheeses such as brie, ricotta, queso fresco, and fresh mozzarella contain more moisture than hard cheeses, making them more susceptible to bacterial growth. Don’t eat them past their “Use By” date.

6. Fresh Milk

If milk is past its expiration or “Use By” date, or if it smells sour or has curdled, it’s best to discard it.

7. Fresh Cream

Heavy cream, light cream, and half-and-half can spoil quickly once opened. If they have an off odor, unusual texture, or are past the expiration date, don’t use them.

8. Ready-to-Eat Salads

Prepared salads containing meat, eggs, seafood, or dairy should be discarded once they’ve reached their “Use By” date because they can support the growth of harmful bacteria.

9. Fresh Tofu

Refrigerated tofu should not be eaten after its expiration date. Once opened, it should be stored according to the package directions and used promptly.

10. Refrigerated Fresh Juice

Unpasteurized or refrigerated fresh juices can harbor harmful bacteria if stored too long. Follow the expiration date and keep them refrigerated.

11. Fresh Sprouts

Alfalfa, bean, clover, and other sprouts are especially prone to bacterial contamination because they’re grown in warm, moist conditions. Don’t consume them after their expiration date.

12. Refrigerated Prepared Meals

Ready-made refrigerated meals should be eaten by their “Use By” date. If the packaging is swollen, leaking, or damaged, discard the product immediately.

13. Eggs (When the Date Indicates Safety)

Eggs can often remain safe for some time after the carton date if refrigerated properly, but it’s important to follow local labeling rules. If eggs are past a “Use By” date where applicable, are cracked, or fail a freshness check (such as having an unusual odor after cracking), discard them.

A Few Important Notes

• “Best Before” or “Best By” dates usually indicate peak quality, not necessarily safety.
• “Use By” dates are intended to indicate the last recommended date for safe consumption on many perishable foods.
• Never rely on smell alone to determine whether food is safe—some harmful bacteria don’t change a food’s appearance, taste, or odor.
• Always refrigerate perishable foods promptly and follow storage instructions on the package.

When you’re unsure about a highly perishable food, it’s safer to throw it away than risk a foodborne illness.