I’m a dietitian and there are 7 foods you should NEVER eat past their ‘use-by’ date – or risk ‘deadly’ bugs
MANY foods are perfectly safe to eat past their ‘use-by’ date.
But a dietitian has warned there are some which are better off in the bin.
Snacks like ham, Brie and even fresh fruit can cause an upset stomach, diarrhoea and vomiting.
But they, and others, can also lead to more serious bacteria such as listeria, brucella, salmonella, and E. coli, which can be deadly.
According to Jenaed Brodell, founder of Nutritiona and Co, here’s what to avoid to help escape health trouble.
1. Ham
It is best to steer clear of deli and pre-packaged meats once they go beyond their recommended use-by date.
Jenaed, a specialist sports dietitian, said: “They are prone to bacterial contamination, including listeria and should not be consumed to reduce the risk of foodborne illness.”
2. Milk
Dairy products like milk and yoghurt can also harbour bacteria like listeria monocytogenes.
This can cause severe illness, especially in pregnant women, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems, Jenaed said.
3. Cheese
The same goes for cheese – particularly soft varieties like Brie.
“These should be discarded if past their use-by date,” Jenaed, who is also an expert in weight management, said.
4. Chicken
Perishable meats and poultry, both raw and cooked, are “highly susceptible” to “harmful” bacterial growth, particularly salmonella, E. coli, and Campylobacter.
Jenaed said eating these foods after their use-by date can increase the risk of food poisoning, so are best put in the bin.
5. Fresh fruit
A slightly less obvious but potentially risky food is fresh fruit.
Jenaed would also avoid pre-packaged salads and veggies once they go past their use-by.
She said: “These foods have a higher risk of bacterial contamination and can support the growth of pathogens such as salmonella or listeria.”
6. Eggs
Expired eggs should also be discarded, according to Jenaed.
“As eggs age, the protective barrier called the cuticle diminishes, making them more susceptible to bacterial penetration, including salmonella,” she said.
“To be safe, it’s best to consume them before their use-by date.”
7. Baby formula
And finally, it is “crucial” to strictly adhere to the use-by dates on baby food and formula.
These products are specifically designed for infants, who are more susceptible to bacterial growth.
Jenaed said: “Consuming expired formula can pose serious health risks so it is not safe to do so.
“The nutritional content can degrade so the vitamins, minerals and other essential nutrients that are crucial for infant’s growth and development may no longer be present in adequate amounts.
“It can also become a breeding ground for harmful bacteria like Cronobacter, which developing immune systems can’t fight.
“To prioritise the health and safety of your baby, it’s essential to follow the use-by date on the formula packaging.”
However, there are plenty of cupboard items that are mostly fine to eat beyond the date on the packaging.
Usually safe options include:
- Shelf-stable foods like canned goods, dried pasta, rice and grains
- Frozen foods like vegetables, fruits, meats and prepared meals
- Hard cheeses such as cheddar, parmesan or Swiss
Jenaed said: “Remember, the use-by date is set by the manufacturer to indicate the period during which the food is at its peak quality and safety.
“It’s essential to follow these guidelines and discard any food that has passed its use-by date to minimise the risk of foodborne illnesses.
“When in doubt, it’s safer to discard expired foods rather than consuming them.”
Best before and use-by date: what's the difference?
BEST before dates relate to the quality of food and there is no harm in eating items that have gone past it, providing they have been stored correctly.
Use-by dates are important for the safe consumption of food.
The Foods Standards Agency advises that items can be eaten right up to the use-by date, but not after.
In practice, many people eat foods after this point if they smell and taste OK.
But some experts say this can still make you ill as there can be unseen bacteria.
FSA boss Emily Miles said: “It’s not a good idea to eat food past its use-by date as these things can lead to a higher risk of you becoming ill with food poisoning.
“Keeping your fridge cold enough, 5°C or below, will prevent bacteria from multiplying on your food and make it last as long as it can.
“You should also keep food with a ‘use by date’ in the fridge and think about freezing it on or before the day of the date if you’re not going to use it.”