We have all stared at a container of yogurt or box of cereal that’s passed its expiration date and wondered if we should still eat it. On one hand, we don’t want to waste food, but on the other hand, we don’t want to risk getting sick.

So, what happens when you eat foods past their expiration date?.

What Does “Expiration Date” Mean?

First, it’s important to understand what the different expiration dates mean. In the United States, there are three main types of dates you’ll find on food products:.

Best If Used By/Before: This date refers to the quality of the product, not its safety. The food will likely still be safe to eat after this date, but it may not taste as good.
Use By: This date refers to the last day the product is at its peak quality. Eating the food after this date may lead to deteriorated quality.
Expires On: This date means the product should not be consumed after this date. Eating it after this date could pose a health risk.

The Risk of Food Poisoning

Eating food past its expiration date can put you at risk for foodborne illness, also known as food poisoning. This occurs when you consume food that has been contaminated with harmful bacteria, viruses, parasites, or toxins.

Although many foodborne illnesses are mild and only result in temporary discomfort, some can be life-threatening, particularly for those with weakened immune systems, such as young children, pregnant women, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses.

How to Tell When Food Has Gone Bad

While the expiration date is a good starting point for determining if your food is still good, it’s not foolproof. Some foods can spoil well before their expiration date, while others may still be safe to eat for a few days after.

Here are some signs to look out for to determine if your food has gone bad:.

Unusual odor or taste
Visible mold or discoloration
Bloating or bulging packaging
Signs of pests, such as rodents or insects
Fizzy or carbonated drinks

If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to err on the side of caution and throw the food away.

How Different Foods Are Affected

Dairy Products

Dairy products, such as milk, yogurt, and cheese, can spoil quickly and are particularly susceptible to bacterial growth.

Eating dairy past its expiration date can put you at risk for food poisoning, so it’s best to follow the expiration date closely.

Meat and Poultry

Raw meats and poultry should be cooked or frozen by the use-by date to avoid bacterial growth. Consuming them after the use-by date can put you at risk for foodborne illness.

Cooked meats, such as deli meats or leftovers, should also be consumed within a few days or frozen to avoid bacterial growth.

Fruits and Vegetables

Most fruits and vegetables are safe to eat for a few days past their expiration date, as long as there are no signs of spoilage. However, in some cases, they can harbor harmful bacteria like listeria, which can cause serious illness.

Canned Foods

Canned foods can last for years past their expiration date, but their quality may deteriorate over time.

The main risk with canned foods is botulism, a potentially deadly form of food poisoning caused by a toxin produced by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum. While botulism is rare, consuming dented or bulging canned foods can increase your risk.

Bread and Grains

Bread and grains can become stale or moldy past their expiration date, but they are generally safe to eat if there are no visible signs of spoilage.

However, some bread products can contain harmful bacteria like staphylococcus, which can thrive in warm and moist environments.

Eggs

Eggs can last several weeks past their expiration date as long as they are properly refrigerated. However, consuming eggs that have gone bad can lead to food poisoning, so it’s important to check for any signs of spoilage.