Do Expiration Dates Mean Food Is Unsafe?

We have a "free table" in our break room here at work. What that means is that if there are items (usually food) on it, it's fair game. For example, when donuts are brought in, they're placed on that table and free for all.

Today I found a factory-zipped bag of chili on that table, and, not having thought out what I would have for lunch, decided to give it a try. It was plant-based, so I didn't think I'd have any competition. The expiration date, however, read "11/13/25," so I put it back on the table with no plans to make it a part of my meal.

Ash, our digital managing editor, happened to be there when I did that and wondered why I wouldn't eat it. The date was the explanation, but it wouldn't have fazed her in the least. I fell somewhere in the middle between Ash and our receptionist, Candace, who wouldn't touch it under any circumstances. So I ate it with my turkey sandwich, and it was very good.

Now we wait.

(Yes, I'm joking.)

Expiration Dates

After that conversation, Ash shared some fascinating information with me about expiration dates, and I found it, among other things, somewhat humorous. Well, it's what she said that was funny. Her summary of what the USDA was simply, "Expiration dates are dumb; the USDA said so."

Okay, so they didn't say that in so many words, but, yeah, that's on point. Those expiration dates are about peak quality, not safety. Let's start with shelf-stable foods, which are mostly safe indefinitely. And as long as there's no rust, swelling, or dents, canned goods will last a very long time. Packaged foods, like cereal and cookies, will be fine past the "best by" date, but they may become a little stale. That's not pleasing, but it's not unsafe, either. And since bacteria that cause food poisoning can't grow in a freezer, anything that's been in there a good while is still safe. It might have lost some of its flavor, but that's not unsafe either.

Always check expiration dates. But you're likely fine under the circumstances mentioned above.