We often buy our favorite food in large quantities. However, by keeping it in our refrigerator for a long time, we realize that its consumption time is approaching or even expiring.
The expiry date DLC is always indicated on the packaging of products to remind the consumer about the end date of use of a food, not to exceed.
Food waste is estimated at 10 million tonnes per year. In most cases, these foods are discarded immediately to avoid the risk of food poisoning. However, the question is whether this act is really legitimate. Is it true that it is not advisable to eat all foods whose expiration date is exceeded? Many factors relating to the consumption of expired products are taken into account, especially since this state of affairs varies from one food to another.
Here are the general rules for the consumption of expired food products
Dairy products
Pasteurized milk can be eaten after its expiry date provided it does not exceed 1 or 2 weeks and is kept in good freshness before opening.
Cheeses with soft pasta are more fragile especially if they present a mold. Thus, it will be disadvised to consume them. As for hard cheeses, simply remove their mold and grate them as usual.
Eggs
The storage date for eggs after the expiry date is 2 weeks if their shell has not been damaged. However, to be sure that these eggs can be eaten without danger to health, you can place an egg in a glass of water. If this egg sinks to the bottom of the glass, it is still cool but if it floats on the surface of the water then your egg is out of date. On the other hand, if the egg white is not transparent or if the yolk is liquid then do not consume it.
The cereals
In general, processed cereals such as those found in breakfast boxes, remain consumable 12 months after their expiry date. In addition, stale cereals can be used as bread crumbs or pie crusts.
Green leafy vegetables
Green leafy vegetables like salads are very fragile and perish at high speed. Their expiry is most often due to bacteria and can in most cases cause food poisoning. Even though they are fresh, these vegetables must be washed thoroughly to eradicate bacteria and possible worms, a source of many diseases.
The meat
Caution is important when it comes to eating meat, whether it is red or white. If you notice a change in color between brown and black, an inappropriate smell or a viscous appearance on your meat, discard it immediately. The consumption of spoiled meat carries the risk of being infected by bacteria or by toxins released by these same bacteria which can be deadly in some cases.
Other products include a Date of Minimum Durability (DDM) label. In this case, it is recommended that these products be consumed preferably before the prescribed date, provided that their packaging remains intact and unopened.
If you have apprehension about any product, do not force yourself to consume it. What is important to keep in mind is that foods do not perish in the same way and are often the subject of unnecessary food waste.