Expired food, vitamins, do you still eat them or do you toss them out?

[Alexia561]

Originally Posted by happehart

I have a big bottle of multivitamin that is expired according to the date stamp. One part of my brain says, toss it, another part says, are you crazy? what would you do? do you stick with that expiration date on food or meds? I am good at using food before the expired date is due, but this bottle is my dilemma

The vitamins may not be as "potent" but should still be good. I've finished off more than one bottle of vitamins and never had a problem. My mother tends to throw things out on the date of expiration, so I rescue an awful lot of groceries from her. So long as it doesn't taste or smell funny, most foods should be fine. DH loves it when she throws out chips!

[Newdaawn]

I have frequently kept unopened sour cream for several weeks past the expiration date and it has always been fine. It's not a great idea to keep food that has been opened a long time after the expiration date.

[jtur88]

Originally Posted by Newdaawn

I have frequently kept unopened sour cream for several weeks past the expiration date and it has always been fine. It's not a great idea to keep food that has been opened a long time after the expiration date.

I just finished up a tub of cottage cheese yesterday, that had a July expiration date, and it had been opened in the fridge, probably since June. It was fine.

Here's the secret: For dairy products like that, never put an unclean spoon into the container, especially one that's been in your mouth. Don't even touch the inside of the lid. If you don't introduce organisms like that, it will easily last 2-3 months after being opened.

[Bluesmama]

Elnina is correct.

My doctor told me that "dry" medicines are good for several years beyond expiration date, but to toss out liquids and creams and ointments since they spoil quickly. Same should apply to vitamins.