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Healthy Habits for Bonsall & Fallbrook Folks: Expiration dates, proceed at your own risk

What is that smell? Open the container of yogurt and can barely inhale. Did you know that the only items required by federal law to label expiration dates are infant formula and particular types of baby foods?

People live in a world of prolonged shelf life due to the processed nature of what they eat. The concept behind labeling expiration dates coincides with the phrase, "Proceed at your own risk." The expiration date is the recommended last day the item should be eaten or used for consumption.

There are a number of catch phrases when it comes to expiration date labeling. "Best if used by or before date" pertains to quality not safety. The food might not taste of have the same quality if not eaten before the recommended date. "Guaranteed fresh" typically is found on bakery items. A stale muffin after the date doesn't quite taste the same.

"Sell by date" is really for the store purposes. The date tells the stores when they should remove it from the shelves. The item is still edible postdate, but it will not be of the same quality. Sometimes stores mark down prices on these items after the date has passed. "Born on" date is usually found on beer labels because after three months beer can turn green.

"Pack date" is on packaged items or canned goods, and it refers to the date is was actually packaged. These terms can be tricky, and the sniff test doesn't always equate to the expiration date listed.

There are some generally applicable rules to follow when it comes to expiration dates. Milk will be OK up to one week after the expiration date listed. Seafood and chicken should be cooked or put in the freezer within one to two days of purchasing. Beef and pork should be eaten or frozen within three to five days.

Canned goods are usually OK for up to five years, but items that have high acidity like tomato sauce are better used within about two years. Eggs can last up to three to five weeks after bringing home. An item doesn't expire once you freeze it.

Food that needs to be refrigerated should be kept under 41 F. Food that needs to be put in the refrigerator should not be kept out for more than four hours. Milk requires 38 F and fish 32 F. Proper storage is important.

As the popularity of buying in bulk has increased, people make fewer trips to the store for fresh foods. Always be cautious and check dates. After all, eating cottage cheese that has grown hair on it, clearly is more of a science experiment than a snack.

Megan Johnson McCullough holds a master's degree in physical education and health science, is a candidate for her doctorate, is a professional natural bodybuilder and is a National Academy of Sports Medicine master trainer.

 

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