Is Your Food Safe to Eat? Refer to This Handy Food Expiration Guidelines Chart

There’s no universal system for food dating in this country, which is why the dates on packaged foods can be confusing. Around 40 states require dates on certain perishable foods like meat and dairy, so it’s common to find expiration dates on your groceries. But here's a spoiler: Most foods are actually still safe to consume after the date listed, according to the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).

To minimize food waste, the FSIS advises consumers to assess the quality of food before deciding whether to eat it or discard it, no matter the date. The only exception to this rule is infant formula, which is required by federal law to have a date for safety, and it should always be followed. So, what exactly do expiration dates mean, and is it safe to eat food after that date?

With guidance from experts and manufacturers, Mytour has put together this easy-to-understand guide for interpreting expiration dates and determining when to be concerned about food safety, helping you shop smarter and reduce waste.

Understanding Expiration Dates

Expiration dates on food can vary depending on where you live, and each serves a different purpose. Here’s a little clarity, courtesy of the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) and FSIS.

• Best If Used By/Before: This date is a quality guide, offering a suggestion for when the food is at its freshest. It isn’t a purchase or safety deadline.
• Use By: This is the recommended date to consume the food. However, even if it's a day or two past, it doesn't necessarily mean it’s unsafe, though you should assess the food’s quality. It’s not a safety date, unless it’s on infant formula.
• Sell By: This date helps retailers manage shelf life. It’s not related to safety, and as per IFT, “one-third of a product’s shelf-life remains after the sell-by date for the consumer to use at home.”
• Freeze By: According to the USDA, this indicates when the product should be frozen for best quality. It’s not related to purchasing or safety.

How Long Can Foods Last After Their Expiration Date?

"Unless it's infant formula, food that passes its date during home storage should still be safe and good as long as it's properly handled until spoilage appears," says FSIS. Spoilage can be identified by unpleasant odors, tastes, or textures.

Keeping that in mind, here are the suggested expiration date guidelines for common foods that often get discarded prematurely.

Food Expiration Date Guide

How Long Do Canned Foods Stay Good?

Yes, canned food can spoil. The USDA states that high-acid canned foods, such as tomatoes and citrus fruits, are good for up to 1.5 years. Low-acid canned goods—such as vegetables, meat, and fish—can last up to 5 years, making them great emergency food options to store.

Canned foods are sterile, so they won’t harbor bacteria, but over time, the flavor and texture of the contents can degrade. Store them in a cool, dark area, such as a cabinet or pantry, away from heat and light, just like oils and spices. Avoid buying cans that are bulging, rusted, leaking, or heavily dented, as these are more likely to be spoiled. Using an organizing tool similar to a spice rack can help you keep track of your canned foods and ensure they are used in proper rotation.

How Long Can Frozen Foods Be Stored?

Frozen foods are safe to eat indefinitely. The expiration dates are there because their flavor and texture degrade over time. Once you open a bag of frozen peas or corn, pour out what you need instead of reaching in with your hands, which can introduce bacteria. (Although bacteria can't grow in the freezer, they can survive, and if you don’t cook the item after defrosting, it could still be harmful.)

How Long Do Leftovers Stay Good?

Got a huge pot of chili that could feed a football team? Invite them over! According to the USDA, most refrigerated leftovers should be eaten within four days. Dishes containing seafood or raw ingredients, like mayonnaise, spoil more quickly, so consume them within a couple of days. Never leave food sitting out for more than two hours. The longer it stays at room temperature, the greater the risk of bacteria growth. It's fine to place warm food directly into the fridge or freezer. For large dishes that will take hours to cool—like a big pot of stew—transfer it into several smaller containers first.

Leftover meals that you freeze should be eaten within three to four months. After that, they may become frosty and take on flavors from other items in the freezer.

When to Discard Canned or Frozen Foods

Canned and frozen foods can last for many years, as long as they’re stored properly. Here’s when it’s time to dispose of them.

• Canned food: Dispose of any cans that are severely dented, bulging, punctured, or leaking. While light rust is okay (and can be wiped off with a damp cloth), discard cans with heavy rust. Also, if the food has an unpleasant odor before or after opening, throw it away.
• Frozen food: Discard any frozen items that show signs of freezer burn or emit a bad smell once thawed. If your freezer loses power, the FSIS advises throwing out foods that have been above 40°F for more than two hours. Any food contaminated by raw meat juices should also be thrown away. Never refreeze foods that have been outside the fridge for longer than two hours.

Food Storage Reference Chart

Worried that your food might have gone bad? Check out our useful food storage guide to learn how long different items stay fresh in the fridge, freezer, and pantry. You can even print out the charts below and stick them on your fridge for quick access. The first chart covers all dairy products, including cheese, yogurt, and milk.

Dairy Products

Meat, Poultry, & Seafood

Here, you'll find useful information about meat, poultry, and seafood.

Pantry Items

This chart includes pantry staples like rice, pasta, and condiments.

Fresh Produce

Check out this chart for helpful tips on how to store fruits and vegetables.

Commonly Asked Questions

• What is the standard expiration date format for food products?

  The typical format is MMDDYY, where “MM” represents the month, “DD” indicates the day, and “YY” refers to the year. For instance, if the expiration date is 101525, this means the product expires on October 15, 2025.

• Is it safe to purchase food on its expiration date?

  In general, yes, it’s safe to buy food on its expiration date. Expiration dates primarily reflect the food’s quality and texture rather than its safety. As long as there are no signs of spoilage, it’s safe to consume, but the flavor may not be as fresh as it once was.

• What foods should you avoid after the expiration date?

  Most non-perishable foods remain safe to eat long after their expiration date, and the same applies to frozen items since bacteria cannot grow in the freezer. However, foods like milk, cheese, fresh fruits, and vegetables should not be consumed past their expiration, as they can harbor harmful bacteria due to the natural breakdown of organic materials. These foods will also show clear signs of spoilage through changes in appearance and odor.