What should be done with food that has passed its expiration date?

Food that has passed its expiration date should be discarded to ensure safety and quality. Expiration dates are established based on extensive testing to determine how long the product remains safe to consume and retains optimal quality. Consuming food past this date can pose a risk of foodborne illness, as it may no longer be safe due to potential growth of harmful bacteria or spoilage.

While some may consider freezing expired food or checking for signs of spoilage, these actions do not guarantee safety. Freezing does preserve food for an extended period, but it does not make expired food safe; spoilage signs like changes in smell, texture, or appearance can further indicate that food is unsafe to eat. Therefore, the best practice is to respect expiration dates and discard any food that has surpassed them to maintain a safe environment for food consumption.