Not All Expiration Dates Are Created Equal

Near the end of 2007, I used the last aspirin tablets from a 500 count bottle that had an expiration date in 2002. They, just like the previous 497, alleviated my headache. Some weeks later, I finished off a 150 count bottle of Rolaids which had a similarly old expiration date. They relieved my heartburn. Though I don't specifically know of any, I think there probably are some prescription drugs which do lose effectiveness with age.

I have seen people discard milk on the date stamped on the container. But that is not an expiration date; rather, it's a "sell by" date, and is directed toward the retail seller. If it is kept refrigerated between 33 & 40 degrees F, milk will usually, though not always, remain good for a couple of weeks beyond the sell by date. Leaving it out at room temperature for extended periods of time will hasten spoilage. Meat which is cut and wrapped at a supermarket also has a sell by date, but, even when kept properly refrigerated, will usually start to go bad within two or three days after the sell by date. So, if you can't use it quickly, freeze it. When red meat turns brown, it doesn't mean it has gone bad, merely that it has been exposed to air. With meat and dairy products the best test is still the "smell" test. If it has a disgusting odor, throw it out. However, remember that fish will always smell fishy. It's the rotten fish smell that should be avoided. I have, on occasion, found a really good sale price on eggs and bought three or four dozen at the same time. I've kept them properly refrigerated, and used them five or six weeks beyond their "Use by" date.

As with so many things in life, common sense is a better guide than prescribed guidelines. Unfortunately, many people are sorely deficient in this attribute.