This fascinating story comes from our friends at AOL.
Each year, people throw away thousands of dollars’ worth of food. Most consumers use expiration dates as an indicator of food safety, but they aren’t always what they seem.
According to the National Resource Defense Council, the “Sell by” dates do not indicate whether foods are safe to eat — it simply predicts how long an item should be kept in stock. Other variations such as “Use by” and “Best by” typically means the date the manufacturer predicts the product has reached peak freshness. It does not indicate spoilage.
So When Does Food Actually Go Bad?
A good rule of thumb is to pay attention to when you purchased or opened the food, rather than what the packaging says.
Read on to find out what the real expiration dates are for some of your favorite foods.
Uncooked Poultry
Raw chicken can be stored in a refrigerator for one to two days after purchase. You can keep chicken in the freezer for nine months.
Eggs
You can keep all your eggs in the basket. You can store them for three to five weeks after purchase. If you freeze them, they can last up to a year.
Peanut Butter
Once you open a jar of peanut butter, you can typically store it up to three to four months in the pantry.
Chocolate
Storing boxed chocolate in room temperature may last you six to nine months. Freezing your chocolate can last you up to 18 months.
Milk
This drink can usually last an additional week after the “Sell by” date. To be on the safe side, smell your milk before drinking it. If the drink packs a sour smell or off-white color, you’re better off tossing it.
Yogurt
If you purchase commercially packaged yogurt, you can keep it for about one to two weeks after the “Sell by” date. Freezing yogurt can last you one to two months longer.
Fish
Unopened salmon will last one to two days from the date of purchase. However, if you freeze it day of purchase, you can squeeze out an additional two to three months for optimal taste.
Wine
Once you pop the cork of white or red wines, you can store them in the fridge for an additional three to five days. Unopened red and white wine can last you up to three years.
Honey
No need to toss this item. This natural sweetener can last you a lifetime.
