What do food expiration dates really mean?

[Captain Dave]

Just saw this on yahoo and thought some of you would be interested. http://green.yahoo.com/blog/care2/54/food-expiration-dates-what-do-they-really-mean.html

 

[citrus]

Thanks Capt.

 

[Chef Jim]

Interesting, I never took much stock in those dates except for what is in the MIL's freezer.

 

[chobint]

Good info. I pretty much agree with everything I read there. I use the sniff test for everything. As a wise man once told me, food looses it's flavor long before it's unsafe to eat.

 

[bob80001]

Good info. I pretty much agree with everything I read there. I use the sniff test for everything. As a wise man once told me, food looses it's flavor long before it's unsafe to eat.

Right on! Sniff test works for me too.

 

[BBQ Bandit]

The real kicker... check the expiration date.... printed on bottled water.

 

[jlondon]

Nothing beats a sniff test. I periodically get rid of stuff that that has that "off" smell YET is technically still usable according to the sale-by-date. My wife will nearly always return items if they go off before they are supposed to.

 

[jgarofalo]

Great article. My wife is the Sell-by police. The day of, it's gone.

 

[avmath]

What's the deal with the expiration date on packaged food? It may not be what you believe. Here's the lowdown, with an eye toward saving you cash