Generally, no, you should not eat food past its use-by date, as it could make you very ill.
Here's a more detailed explanation:
Use-By Dates vs. Best-Before Dates
It's crucial to understand the difference between "use-by" and "best-before" dates:
-
Use-By Dates: These dates are about safety. Foods with a use-by date shouldn't be eaten after that date, even if they look and smell fine. Eating such food could pose a health risk due to the potential growth of harmful bacteria. Examples include:
- Dairy products
- Meat
- Fish
- Ready-made meals
-
Best-Before Dates: These dates are about quality. Food is still safe to eat after the best-before date but might not be at its best in terms of flavor, texture, or appearance.
Why Use-By Dates Matter
- Bacterial Growth: Harmful bacteria can grow in food over time, even if it's stored properly. These bacteria may not cause noticeable changes in the food's smell, taste, or appearance.
- Food Poisoning Risk: Eating food contaminated with harmful bacteria can lead to food poisoning, resulting in symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and fever.
- Exceptions:
- Cooking: Cooking food thoroughly can kill harmful bacteria, but this doesn't necessarily make it safe to eat after the use-by date, as some toxins produced by bacteria are heat-resistant.
- Freezing: Freezing can significantly slow down bacterial growth. Food can be frozen up until its use-by date and stored for longer periods. However, once thawed, it should be used promptly and never refrozen.
Safety Precautions
- Adhere to Use-By Dates: Always check the use-by date before consuming food and discard anything past that date.
- Proper Storage: Store food according to the instructions on the packaging to maximize its shelf life.
- Trust Your Senses (with Caution): While smell and appearance can be indicators of spoilage, they are not always reliable, especially with foods past their use-by date. If in doubt, throw it out.
In summary, while ignoring a "best before" date is generally acceptable, consuming food past its "use by" date is not recommended and poses potential health risks. Always prioritize safety and err on the side of caution.
