It smells and looks good, but can I eat food past its use-by date?
The Gauteng Health Department has weighed in on the difference between “best before” and “use-by” dates.
There has long been a debate about whether food can still be eaten after its use-by date, particularly when it looks and smells perfectly fine. Some people argue that they have eaten food past its date without getting sick, while others prefer not to take any chances.
However, the Gauteng Health Department has once again put the spotlight on food safety, reminding people that understanding food dates is an important part of keeping food safe.
The department recently took to social media to explain the difference between best before and use-by dates.
“A best before date relates to the quality of food, not its safety,” the department said.
It explained that after this date, food may gradually lose its flavour, texture or freshness. However, if it has been stored correctly and the packaging remains intact, it may still be safe to use. Examples include breakfast cereals, tinned and packaged foods, biscuits, crackers and snacks.
When it comes to use-by dates, however, the department says this relates specifically to food safety.
“Do not eat food after the use-by date, even if it looks, smells, or tastes normal,” the department said.
This addresses one of the biggest questions consumers have when deciding whether to eat food past its date.
The department warned that consuming food after its use-by date can increase the risk of foodborne illnesses.
“Your senses can help identify some signs of spoilage, but they cannot detect all harmful bacteria that cause food poisoning,” it said.
So, while your eyes and nose may tell you something appears to be fine, they cannot always tell you whether harmful bacteria are present. The department advises consumers not to rely on appearance, smell or taste alone when it comes to food safety.
The department shared examples where this is particularly important include raw meat and poultry, milk and dairy products, and ready-to-eat meals.
The bottom line? If food has passed its use-by date, the safest option is to throw it away - even if it looks, smells and tastes normal.
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