You’re standing in front of your fridge, squinting at a yoghurt container and wondering if the date on the lid is a friendly suggestion or a hard-and-fast rule. We’ve all been there, trying to decide if we’re being thrifty or just plain risky. While your nose is a great tool for a “sniff test,” understanding how food expiry dates actually work is the best way to protect your health and your household budget.
In South Africa, where the cost of living keeps climbing, throwing away perfectly good food feels like a waste of hard-earned money. On the other hand, no one wants to deal with a nasty bout of food poisoning because they ignored a safety warning.
To navigate your kitchen with confidence, you need to know that not all dates are created equal. Whether you are checking a tin of beans or a pack of chicken breasts, knowing the difference between “Best Before” and “Use By” will change the way you shop and eat.
Last year, there was some concern about food items causing food poisoning, which led to the deaths of several children in Gauteng and others hospitalised in Limpopo.
- Always check expiration dates on food products. Even if food is within its expiry date, watch for signs of spoilage such as mold, discolouration, or sliminess. These could be signs of harmful bacteria that cause foodborne illnesses.
- Throw out any food showing signs of deterioration, even if it smells or tastes fine.
- Stay safe and avoid consuming expired or spoiled food.
