Is It Safe To Eat Food Beyond Its Expiry Date? Here’s What You Need To Know

When you're stocking up on groceries, one thing you’re likely to check every time is the expiry date . It's become second nature to avoid products nearing their expiration. But is this practice purely precautionary, or is food genuinely unsafe after the date has passed?

The Reality of Expiry Dates Contrary to common belief, food doesn’t automatically turn hazardous the moment it passes its expiry date. For non-perishable items, this date often refers more to quality than safety. For example, a bag of chips might lose its crunch, or biscuits could taste slightly off, but they aren’t likely to cause harm. However, perishable goods such as dairy, meat, and eggs are a different story. These items can harbor bacteria that grow rapidly after the expiration date, posing risks of foodborne illnesses.

Pooja Shah Bhave, a consultant clinical dietician from Mumbai , highlights that in India, consumers often continue to use items like wheat flour, refined flour, and sooji beyond their expiry, despite the hidden risks of mold. "Non-perishable foods like legumes, pulses, pasta, and rice can stay good beyond their expiry date if stored in dry, airy rooms," she says, but warns that even these should be inspected for changes in smell, taste, or appearance before consumption.

How Accurate Are Expiry Dates ? When determining the expiry date on a product, various factors such as the type of food, packaging, manufacturing, and storage conditions are taken into account. As Deepali Sharma, a clinical nutritionist at CK Birla Hospital in Delhi , explains, “The expiry date is set based on tests to ensure the product remains safe and of good quality until that time.”

However, Dr. Shweta Jaiswal, a senior dietician at Sharda Hospital, Noida, clarifies that these dates are often more about freshness than safety. “If food looks and smells fine after its expiration date, it’s usually still safe to eat,” she says, encouraging consumers to use their senses when deciding whether to keep or discard a product.

Storage’s Role in Shelf Life The way food is stored plays a significant role in how long it stays safe. Many Indian households trust that refrigerating or freezing items extends their usability - a belief that isn’t entirely wrong. Proper storage, including keeping your fridge below 5°C and storing dry goods in cool, dark places, can prolong the shelf life of various items.

As Deepali Sharma points out, “Storage conditions can greatly impact the accuracy of expiry dates. Fluctuations in temperature, moisture, and exposure to sunlight can cause food to spoil faster than expected.”

Anupama Menon , a lifestyle and health coach, stresses the importance of following storage guidelines outlined by food safety regulations, particularly in countries like India where transportation and storage conditions can vary. "Foods that need to be kept at certain temperatures should be inspected for any spoilage signs," she advises, adding that products packaged in cans or cartons should be checked for damage or bulging, regardless of the expiration date.

To Toss or Not? Ultimately, expiry dates serve as helpful guidelines, but they aren’t absolute indicators of food safety. By understanding labels and trusting your senses, you can make better decisions about what to keep or discard. While minimizing food waste is essential, it’s equally important to prioritize your health and safety.