Best before? Guess that depends on who you ask.
I’ve been noticing that people have very different ways of handling both fresh and processed foods.
I suppose it comes to mind more often in the heat of the summer when we are making fresh recipes, many of which require mayonnaise or cream cheese or yogurt — anything that shouldn’t be left out in the heat.
But, in general, I think consumers have different practices when it comes to expiration dates.
According to thedailymeal.com:
“Expiration dates on food packaging are a source of comfort and exasperation for consumers, manufacturers, and waste-reduction activists alike. The dates, which usually include a phrase such as "best by," are often interpreted as being absolute when they're not. While the dates can be helpful to point out when food might start going bad, they aren't always accurate, mean different things, and have led to massive food waste. ReFED estimates that 54 million tons of food are thrown out annually as consumers discard anything past the label date.”
I, personally, play fast and loose with dates.
Please withhold judgment but I don’t ever check dates on anything.
I know when milk is dead when it plops out like a chunk onto my cereal. (or do the sniff test)
Cheese?
When I have enough mould for a shot of penicillin.
Salad?
If I don’t see brown, curled up edges on my lettuce, I’m good to go.
Spices? Those get tossed and replaced once a year when I get the urge to clear out cupboards.
To be fair, I would be much more cautious about meat.
I’m sure I’m in the minority.
I’m also sure you do not want an invitation to my home for a meal.
Honestly, I guess I am too preoccupied with checking prices to remember to check the little plastic tags on the bread.
I am also a big fan of what I refer to as “the dead bin” in the grocery store — which of course is not. It i's usually perfectly fine food just getting a bit ripe.
Certainly, I do know it is smart to watch dates for health reasons so nobody gets sick and also it would be a waste to buy stale food.
Honestly, it just never crosses my mind to look.
Canada.ca suggests “Remember, "best before" dates are not indicators of food safety. They apply to unopened products only. Once opened, the shelf life of a food may change. Never use your nose, eyes or taste buds to judge the safety of food. If in doubt, throw it out.”
On the other end are folks who throw out almost everything even if it has been in the fridge for just a couple of days.
They are the label readers and pay close attention to what date the product was manufactured and when it was put on the shelf.
They likely know all the ingredients, too.
I admire the diligence but I’m not going to do it.
They also know the longevity of canned goods, I’m sure.
I have a feeling with the increase in the cost of groceries there may be more people purchasing items not necessarily Grade A.
That seems logical to me.
I’m excited to see all the fruit and vegetable roadside stands open for business.
Doesn’t it just feel healthier to buy from the farmer directly?
I trust them when they say they just picked this crop today.
And I don’t have to check any dates or numbers I won’t understand anyway.
Unless a product is recalled, I just go by gut feeling.
Maybe the most sage advice is just follow your nose.
