5 Foods You Should Never Eat By Mistake After Their Expiry Date

Most packaged food items come with expiry dates, indicating their shelf life. Checking these labels is crucial when buying food items. Consuming expired or spoiled food can lead to foodborne illnesses, digestive issues and allergic reactions. Ignoring expiry dates can compromise overall health, particularly for vulnerable populations like the elderly, pregnant women and young children.

To safeguard health, always check the expiry dates of food items properly before consuming. Mindful consumption habits can significantly reduce foodborne illnesses and protect public health. Here, we've compiled a list of a few foods that you should never consume after their expiry date.

Foods To Avoid After Their Expiry Date

Bread

Bread should never be consumed after its expiry date. Stale bread can harbour mould, fungus and bacteria that may cause digestive issues, allergic reactions and respiratory problems. Consuming expired bread can also lead to food poisoning due to the growth of harmful microorganisms, making it a potential health hazard.

Cheese

Consuming expired cheese poses health risks. Bacteria like Listeria and E. coli multiply rapidly, causing food poisoning, digestive issues and allergic reactions. Expired cheese may also harbour toxins, mould and harmful microorganisms, leading to severe illnesses, particularly in vulnerable populations like pregnant women, the elderly and young children.

Food items that you should avoid post their expiration to avoid health risks (Image Credits: Canva)

Fish And Seafood

Fish and seafood have strict expiry dates due to rapid spoilage and bacterial growth. Consuming expired fish and seafood can cause food poisoning and other serious illnesses. Spoiled seafood can pose severe health risks. Thus, checking their labels carefully while buying is very essential.

Eggs

Eggs should never be consumed after their expiry date. Stale eggs may cause digestive problems and food poisoning. To check freshness, submerge eggs in water. Fresh eggs will sink while expired ones float. Additionally, check for cracks, unusual odour and visible mould to ensure safety.

Milk

Milk spoils quickly, making expiry dates crucial. Consuming expired milk risks food poisoning. Check expiration dates on the packets and look for signs of spoilage like off smells or curdling. Refrigerate milk properly and consume it within 3-5 days of opening to ensure safety.

ALSO READ: Clogged Arteries? 5 Superfoods To Include In Your Diet To Prevent Plaque

ALSO READ: 4 White Foods That Can Be Harmful For Your Health

(Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment.)