Food expiration dates can sometimes feel like mere suggestions, but sometimes consuming expired foods can pose serious health risks. While some items remain safe past their best-by dates, others can harbor dangerous bacteria or toxins. Below are 12 types of foods you should never eat after they expire.
1. Dairy Products
Milk, cheese, and yogurt can quickly turn into breeding grounds for bacteria once they expire. Spoiled dairy products can contain harmful bacteria like E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria, leading to food poisoning symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. If your dairy smells sour, looks curdled, or has an unusual texture, it’s best to discard it.
2. Deli Meats
Processed meats like ham, turkey, and salami have a short shelf life even when refrigerated. Once expired, they can develop Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium that thrives in cold environments. Eating expired deli meats can lead to severe infections, especially for pregnant women, young children, and the elderly.
3. Eggs
Eggs may seem fine beyond their expiration date, but consuming old eggs can expose you to Salmonella bacteria. A simple water test can help determine their freshness—if an egg floats in water, it’s gone bad and should be thrown away. Rotten eggs can cause severe gastrointestinal distress.
4. Seafood
Fish and shellfish spoil quickly and can develop histamines and harmful bacteria after expiration. Eating expired seafood can cause foodborne illnesses like scombroid poisoning, which leads to symptoms like flushing, sweating, and nausea. Always check for a strong ammonia-like smell as a sign of spoilage.
5. Chicken and Other Poultry
Raw chicken and poultry can become contaminated with Campylobacter and Salmonella, even before their expiration date. After expiration, the risk of bacterial growth increases exponentially. Cooking spoiled poultry does not always kill all bacteria, so it’s safest to discard expired chicken.
6. Ground Meat
Unlike whole cuts of meat, ground meat has a larger surface area exposed to bacteria. Expired ground beef, pork, or turkey can contain E. coli and Listeria, which can cause serious food poisoning. If the meat smells off, has a slimy texture, or looks grayish, it’s time to throw it away.
7. Soft Cheeses
Soft cheeses like brie, ricotta, and feta spoil faster than hard cheeses. Mold, yeast, and bacteria can grow rapidly in expired soft cheeses, increasing the risk of Listeria infection. If you see any mold on a soft cheese, it’s best to discard the entire product.
8. Fresh Fruits and Vegetables (Especially Cut or Pre-Packaged)
Whole fruits and vegetables may last beyond their expiration dates, but pre-cut or packaged produce is a different story. Once cut, fruits and vegetables become vulnerable to bacterial contamination, especially if stored improperly. If they appear slimy, discolored, or have a foul smell, toss them immediately.
9. Mayonnaise and Other Cream-Based Condiments
Mayonnaise and similar creamy condiments contain eggs and dairy, which spoil quickly once expired. Bacteria such as Salmonella and Staphylococcus aureus can grow in old mayo, causing food poisoning. If your mayo develops a sour smell or changes in texture, it’s unsafe to eat.
10. Canned Foods with Damage or Bulging Lids
Canned foods generally last a long time, but if a can is dented, rusted, or bulging, do not consume its contents. These signs indicate potential contamination with Clostridium botulinum, which causes botulism—a life-threatening illness. Always inspect canned goods before consuming them.
11. Leftover Cooked Rice and Pasta
Cooked rice and pasta can become dangerous if stored for too long. Expired or improperly stored rice can develop Bacillus cereus, a bacterium that produces toxins causing severe vomiting and diarrhea. To prevent food poisoning, refrigerate leftovers promptly and consume them within a few days.
12. Nuts and Nut Butters
Although nuts and nut butters don’t spoil in the traditional sense, they can go rancid after their expiration date. Rancid nuts contain harmful compounds that may cause digestive discomfort and an unpleasant taste. Always check for an off-putting smell before consuming expired nuts.
Conclusion
While some foods remain safe past their expiration dates, the items listed above should never be consumed once expired. Eating spoiled or contaminated food can lead to severe health risks, including food poisoning and bacterial infections. When in doubt, always trust your senses—if something smells, looks, or tastes off, it’s better to be safe and discard it.
Sources 📚🔍
- 🥛 Dairy Products – Parade
- 🍖 Deli Meats – Delish
- 🥚 Eggs – Delish
- 🐟 Seafood – Delish
- 🍗 Poultry – Delish
- 🥩 Ground Meat – Delish
- 🧀 Soft Cheeses – Parade
- 🥗 Pre-Packaged Produce – UH Hospitals
- 🍶 Mayonnaise & Creamy Condiments – People
- 🥫 Canned Foods – Prevention
- 🍚 Leftover Rice & Pasta – Delish
- 🥜 Nuts & Nut Butters – Delish