Most of us sometimes wonder if food is still safe to eat after the expiry date. But some types of food after the expiration date can not only taste unpleasant, but also be deadly. Here are five foods you should never eat past their expiration date.
At a time when we often struggle reduce food waste, many people wonder if the food is still safe to eat, even though its expiration date has already expired. While some foods can last a few extra days or even weeks past their expiration date, there are foods that aren't worth the risk. Some of these foods are not just unpalatable after the expiry date - they can become deadly. Here are five types of food that you should avoid at all costs after the expiration date.
1. Raw meat and minced meat
Raw meat, whether beef, chicken or pork, has a very short shelf life that must be strictly observed. As meat ages, bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli begin to multiply exponentially. These bacteria are responsible for severe food poisoning, which can cause severe digestive problems, high fever and, in extreme cases, even death. Never eat raw meat that has passed its expiration date, even if it looks fine.
2. Cold pressed juices
Cold-pressed juices are extremely popular among consumers due to their nutritional value and refreshing taste. However, their natural, unpasteurized composition means they are extremely susceptible to bacterial infection. After the expiration date, harmful bacteria such as Escherichia coli begin to develop rapidly in the juices, which can cause serious diseases. Drink these juices only while they are fresh and never store them past their expiration date.
Photo: envato elements3. Soft cheeses
Soft cheeses such as brie, camembert and ricotta are extremely susceptible to bacterial infections. When the cheese starts to mold or has an unusual smell, you should throw it away immediately. Eating stale soft cheeses can be dangerous, as these types of cheeses allow bacteria such as Listeria, Salmonella and E. coli to grow rapidly. These bacteria can cause severe indigestion that may even require hospitalization.
4. Salads with mayonnaise and eggs
Mayonnaise and eggs, which are common ingredients in various salads such as potato or tuna salad, are extremely susceptible to bacterial infection due to their high fat and protein content. When lettuce is stored for a long time, it becomes an ideal breeding ground for bacteria that can cause food poisoning. If the shelf life of the salad has already passed or it has been stored in the refrigerator for several days, it is better to throw it away than to risk your health.
5. Egg substitutes
Egg substitutes, often used as an alternative to fresh eggs, have a very short shelf life, especially after opening. Due to their composition and packaging, these products are even more susceptible to bacterial growth than fresh eggs. When replacements expire, they quickly develop harmful bacteria, so never use them after their expiration date.
Conclusion
Although it may seem tempting to still eat food past its expiration date, the risk is simply too great for certain types of food. Raw meat, cold-pressed juices, soft cheeses, salads with mayonnaise and egg substitutes are just some of the foods that can pose a serious risk to your health if consumed after the expiration date. When it comes to health, it's better to err on the side of caution - if in doubt, throw it away!
