10 Foods You Should Never Eat After Their Expiration Date
Expiration and “use by” dates are not all the same. Many shelf-stable foods are safe well past a “best by” date, but certain high-risk foods support fast bacterial growth or lose safety-critical nutrients. For these, the printed date is a hard stop. When in doubt, follow the most conservative guidance for infants, older adults, people who are pregnant, and anyone with a weakened immune system.
Infant Formula
Formula is unique because its dating is regulated for nutritional potency. After the “use by” date, vitamin and mineral levels can drop below what babies need. Unlike many other packaged foods, this is not just about taste or texture. Do not use formula past its date.
Fresh Poultry (Chicken and Turkey)
Raw poultry is highly perishable and a common source of Salmonella and Campylobacter. Even under refrigeration, bacterial counts can rise quickly near or after the printed date. If the date has passed, discard it rather than risking undercooked or contaminated meat.
Ground Meat (Beef, Pork, Poultry)
Grinding spreads surface bacteria throughout the meat, which speeds spoilage and raises the odds of pathogens like E. coli. Ground meats have shorter safe windows than whole cuts. If the expiration or “use by” date is past, do not cook it to try to save it.
Fresh Fish
Fish spoils faster than most meats because of its natural enzymes and high moisture. Histamine can form in certain fish even if they look and smell fine. If the date has passed, do not eat it raw or cooked.
Shellfish (Oysters, Clams, Mussels)
Shellfish can harbor Vibrio and other pathogens that multiply as they age. Once past the date, risk climbs sharply. Discard live shellfish that are past date or that do not close when tapped. Never eat shucked shellfish past its expiration.
Deli Meats and Hot Dogs (Refrigerated, Ready-to-Eat)
These ready-to-eat meats can carry Listeria, a bacterium that can grow at refrigerator temperatures. They have strict dates for a reason. If unopened and past date, toss them. If opened, follow shorter “use within” guidance, even if still before the printed date.
Refrigerated Smoked Seafood
Unlike shelf-stable canned versions, refrigerated smoked salmon and similar products are ready-to-eat and vulnerable to Listeria growth in the fridge. After the date, the risk outweighs the convenience. Discard it.
Soft Cheeses (Brie, Camembert, Feta, Queso Fresco)
Soft, high-moisture cheeses perish faster than aged hard cheeses. Once past date, spoilage organisms and Listeria risk increase, especially for fresh cheeses like queso fresco and feta. If the date is past, do not try to trim mold and keep eating.
Unpasteurized (Raw) Dairy and Fresh-Pressed Juices
Without pasteurization, there is no kill step for pathogens, and the microbial load can climb as products sit. After the expiration date, the safety margin is gone. Avoid raw milk, raw milk cheeses, and unpasteurized juices past date entirely.
Pre-Cut Produce and Ready-to-Eat Salads
Pre-washed greens, fruit cups, and deli salads offer convenience but have many cut surfaces where bacteria can grow. Gas-flushed packaging is not a guarantee of safety past the date. If the printed date has passed, throw them out.
How to Read Dates and Stay Safe
- “Use by” or “expiration” on perishable foods is a safety boundary. Treat it as final for the items above.
- Store at 40°F or colder, and freeze items you won’t use in time. Freezing pauses the clock while frozen, but not during thawing.
- Do not rely on smell or looks alone. Some hazards, like Listeria or histamine formation, are not detectable by taste or odor.
Many pantry items are fine after a “best by” date. But for these ten foods, the expiration or “use by” date is a do-not-cross line. When the date passes, the safest move is to skip it and replace it.
