We’ve all done it.
You open the fridge… check the label… sniff it… and think:
“It’s probably still fine.”
And sometimes? It is.
But not always.
While some foods can safely last a little beyond their “best before” date, others can become dangerous — even if they look and smell normal.
Food poisoning isn’t just uncomfortable. In some cases, it can lead to serious complications.
Here are 13 foods you should never eat past the expiration date — no matter how tempted you are to save them.
1. Raw Chicken
Raw poultry is highly perishable and a major source of harmful bacteria like Salmonella and Campylobacter.
Even one extra day past its expiration can increase the risk of contamination.
If it smells sour, feels slimy, or has a grayish color — throw it away immediately.
2. Ground Beef
Ground meat spoils faster than whole cuts because bacteria spread throughout the meat during processing.
Expired ground beef can quickly become unsafe — even if it looks okay on the outside.
3. Fresh Fish and Seafood
Seafood deteriorates rapidly.
Expired fish can harbor bacteria and toxins that are not destroyed by cooking.
A strong ammonia-like smell is a clear warning sign.
When in doubt, toss it out.
4. Deli Meats
Pre-sliced ham, turkey, and salami are more exposed to air and bacteria.
Once past the expiration date, they can develop Listeria — a particularly dangerous bacteria for pregnant women, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.
5. Unpasteurized Milk
Milk is one of the most common causes of food poisoning when consumed past its date.
Even if it smells slightly sour but not “bad,” bacteria may already be multiplying.
If it’s chunky, discolored, or smells off — do not taste-test it.
6. Soft Cheeses
Soft cheeses like brie, ricotta, cream cheese, and cottage cheese spoil faster than hard cheeses.
Visible mold on soft cheese means the entire product is unsafe — you can’t just cut off the bad part.
7. Eggs
Expired eggs can carry Salmonella.
If you’re unsure, you can do a simple float test:
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Fresh eggs sink.
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Old eggs float.
If it floats — don’t risk it.
8. Pre-Packaged Salads
Bagged salads are convenient — but they’re also moisture-rich environments where bacteria grow quickly.
Slimy leaves or a sour smell are clear warning signs.
9. Cooked Rice
This surprises many people.
Cooked rice can develop Bacillus cereus bacteria if stored too long — even in the fridge.
If it smells odd, feels dry or sticky, or has been sitting for several days, discard it.
10. Fresh Juices (Unpasteurized)
Cold-pressed juices and homemade juices spoil quickly.
Once expired, harmful bacteria may multiply even if the taste hasn’t changed dramatically.
11. Tofu
Tofu has high moisture content, making it prone to bacterial growth.
Expired tofu often develops a sour smell and sticky texture.
12. Fresh Berries
Berries mold quickly — and mold spreads faster than you think.
If you see even one moldy berry, check the entire container carefully. If several are affected, discard the whole batch.
13. Baby Formula
This is non-negotiable.
Expired baby formula can lose nutritional quality and may develop harmful bacteria.
Never use it past its expiration date.
A Quick Note About Expiration Labels
There’s a difference between:
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“Best before” (quality may decline, but not necessarily unsafe)
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“Use by” (safety-related)
Highly perishable foods with a “use by” date should not be consumed after that date.
When it comes to raw meat, dairy, seafood, and ready-to-eat refrigerated foods — it’s better to be cautious.
Final Rule
If a food has:
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A sour or unusual smell
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Slimy texture
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Mold growth
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Bulging packaging
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Strange color
Don’t taste it to test it.
Saving a few dollars isn’t worth risking food poisoning.
When in doubt — throw it out.
