Is it bad to eat recently expired food? Find out now!

Often, when we come across a food that is close to reaching its expiration date, we might think that if it looks “normal” and shows no visible signs of spoilage, it is still safe for consumption.

Although it may seem commonplace, we are sorry to inform you that this assumption is not always correct and can be harmful to your health.

Preservatives in many food products can mask changes in the appearance or odor of food after the expiration date has passed. Those preservatives They are not a guarantee that the food remains safe.

It is important to highlight that among the bacteria that can proliferate in expired foods are some that are extremely dangerous to human health. Some notable examples include the Escherichia coli, The Salmonellasp and the Clostridium botulinum, cases that can cause a lot of complications.

A Escherichia coli (AND. coli), for example, is a bacteria that can cause serious intestinal infections, leading to symptoms such as severe diarrhea, abdominal cramps and even kidney complications.

Ingestion of food contaminated by this bacteria is one of the main causes of foodborne illnesses worldwide.

A Salmonella sp, in turn, is another bacteria commonly associated with spoiled food. It can also cause gastrointestinal infections, manifesting with symptoms similar to E. coli, including diarrhea, vomiting and fever.

The validity of the products

It is important to highlight that the expiration date established by the industry is the deadline within which the food can be consumed without causing nutritional or sensory damage.

However, this expiration date applies to the food as long as it remains sealed in its original packaging and stored properly. Once the food packaging is opened, the situation changes. The expiration date after opening, often indicated on the packaging itself, is significantly shorter than the original date.

This post-opening date takes into account the fact that, after coming into contact with air and being exposed to manipulation, food becomes more susceptible to deterioration and contamination by microorganisms.

A classic example is milk, which, when kept sealed and refrigerated correctly, can last for months without problems. However, as soon as it is opened for consumption, the shelf life of the milk is significantly reduced.

After opening, the milk should be consumed within a few days, usually three to five, depending on the manufacturer's instructions.

In particular, do not consume THESE foods even if they are “just out of date”

Due to their composition and nature, these foods are more likely to be affected by bacteria and microorganisms that are harmful to health. See these examples:

• Built-ins: Products such as sausages, sausages and hams are highly perishable and prone to bacterial contamination. Consuming expired sausages can lead to serious foodborne infections;
• Mayonnaise: Mayonnaise is made with eggs and oil, which makes it a favorable environment for bacteria to grow. Expired mayonnaise may contain Salmonella and other microorganisms that are harmful to health;
• Tomato Sauce: Tomato sauce is acidic and therefore less prone to bacterial growth, but it can still become an environment for microorganisms to grow. Furthermore, its texture and flavor can be negatively affected when out of date;
• Meats (red, chicken and fish): Expired meat can contain bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli, which can cause serious illness. It is crucial to follow storage guidelines and respect the expiration date to ensure safety when consuming meat;
• Cheese: Some types of cheese can tolerate past expiration dates, but others cannot. The presence of mold or an unpleasant smell on any cheese is a clear sign that it should be discarded;
• Loaf bread: Sliced ​​bread is a food that can develop mold quickly, especially under inadequate storage conditions. Consuming moldy bread can be harmful to your health;
• Milk: Milk is highly perishable and susceptible to the proliferation of bacteria. Drinking expired milk can cause serious gastrointestinal problems.

These are the foods that should be avoided at all costs when they are out of date, but this does not mean that we can eat other foods that are out of date.

Therefore, the general rule is to always be aware of food expiration dates and discard any food that is past its date. Food safety is essential to prevent foodborne illnesses and protect health.

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