Can you still eat it?

What is the shelf life of pasta? Can I still eat the yoghurt after the specified date? And how can I tell if a product needs to be disposed of? Everyone has probably asked themselves these or similar questions. In principle, all packaged foods must be labelled with a best-before date or a use-by date. But what is the difference?

Fresh food is labelled «To be consumed by». This includes packaged fruit and vegetables, dairy products, meat, fish and eggs, as well as takeaway products. As these foods are often highly perishable, ignoring the date can lead to health problems such as discomfort, nausea, vomiting and even food poisoning or infection.

However, this does not mean that all these products will spoil on the specified day. Sensory tests such as smelling, seeing and possibly tasting can be used to quickly judge whether a food is still edible. If a yoghurt is visually and tastily unnoticeable a few days after the expiry date, it can be consumed without any problems in most cases. If you notice significant changes in colour, consistency, smell or taste, this is a clear indication that bacterial decomposition of the food has already begun and is harmful to us. If you are unsure, it is advisable to dispose of it sooner. This applies in particular during pregnancy, when breastfeeding or when small children or older people are eating with you.

If visible changes such as mould are visible, the product should also be disposed of. This is because mould not only adheres to the surface, but can also penetrate deep into the food with its roots. One exception: in the case of hard cheese, the affected area can be cut off over a large area in certain cases - due to the low water and high salt content, the mould can only spread with difficulty. As meat, fish and seafood are often a feast for harmful bacteria, the use-by date for these foods should always be strictly adhered to.

What affects durability

A best-before date can usually be found on dry goods such as sugar, cereal flakes and grains, flour, spices, packaged biscuits and similar products. They can usually be consumed long after the date indicated. Specifically, the date refers to the point in time up to which the manufacturer can guarantee that the product has no loss of flavour or content. The latter refers in particular to the stated vitamin and mineral content. Vitamins and minerals degrade slowly but steadily.

The best-before date therefore indicates the date up to which the manufacturer can guarantee that vitamins and minerals are contained in the specified quantity. In most cases, producers recommend storing food in a dry and cool place, as both the product and the packaging are least affected under these conditions. The best-before date also only applies to packaging that is still sealed. If packaging is opened, oxygen, moisture and naturally occurring bacteria can reach the food and contribute to faster spoilage. It is therefore important to consume products within a few days of opening the packaging. Here too, it is advisable to use your own judgement.

Caution with damaged cans

The best-before date can also be found on tins. The shelf life is guaranteed for many years and the food is often edible long after the printed date. However, the colour, taste or nutritional content may be affected. The same applies here: if in doubt, dispose of it. Once tinned food has been opened, its contents should be consumed quickly. It is better not to keep any leftovers in the tin, but to transfer them to a glass or plastic container and store them in the fridge.

The contents of damaged tins should no longer be consumed. Even if it appears to be just a dent, even tiny cracks can easily spoil the product. To be on the safe side, the can should therefore be disposed of. Tins with a domed lid or base must not be opened under any circumstances. The gases produced inside can be harmful to health even in small quantities, which is why the can should be disposed of immediately and unopened.