Good Lifestyle

Did you know that the majority of food do not have an expiry date? What you probably read is "the use by" "sell" and "best by" dates. If the food you want to eat spent these dates, you might ask you what can happen to you if you choose to eat food anyway. We will enter the details below, but in brief:Eating food beyond its expiration is not only safe, but it is also good for the planet in that it helps reduce food waste.

Read more about the "expiration date" the terms really mean, what foodsActually Expires, and what happens when you eat "expired" foods.

Confusion of food labels

With regard to dates on food labels, it is certainly confusing. According toFDAThis confusion contributes to about 20% of food waste at home.

The only foods that have an expiry date are the baby formula, baby food and milk of some states. If a food is labeled "expired", the date indicated is the last day the food is safe to eat. If the food has gone to its expiry date, it should be launched. (See:Is it prudent to eat food after his expiration date?For baby formula and baby food, there is no play with her or tasting the food after you have expired - so throw it away if it spends the expiry date.

The most common date on the package you will see is "use by" and "sell by" dates.

"Use by" (also considered "better if it is used by") Date refers to the last day to use the product for the highest quality, including texture and taste. The date is defined by the food manufacturer and does not refer to the safety of the product.

The date "sell by" indicates to the store how long the food can be displayed on its shelves. Once again, this is defined by the food manufacturer as a guideline for the store. Food can always be sure and tasty days after the "sell" date has been adopted.

Consequences of eating food after dates

Eating food beyond the date "Use by" or "Sell" has a major consequence - and it is positive - you will minimize food waste.

In the United States, food waste is estimated between 30 and 40% of food supplyAccording to the FDA. According toUSDA Economic Research Service, approximately 31% of lost food and consumers are equivalent to about 133 billion pounds and $ 161 billion in food in 2010. This food could have helped to feed families in need, but is sent to landfills.

If you do not want to eat food beyond "use by" or "sell by" dates, so talk to your local pantry - Contrary to what you can assume, many will take food after their "use by "and" sell by "" appointment.

It should be noted that if you eat food after "use by" and "sell by" dates, quality may not be as fresh as before. These dates tell you the peak quality of the ingredients. So, eat the months of food after using the date of "use by" and "for sale", some of the nutrients can also be degraded so that you get a little less of the quality of nutrients.

Low: Stop wasting good food and be aware that the dates you see on packages are a guideline for its quality. These dates are placed by food manufacturers but are not a difficult stop when you have to eat food. Of course, if you feel or see something funky in your food, so get it out. As the adage happens, "if in doubt, launch it." For more ways to prevent food waste, see these7 secret tips to extend the expiration dates of food.

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