In College Smell Test Part 1 we found out that the nose doesn’t always know best.
This is especially true if said nose is attached to a typical college co-ed who has limited cash and even less common sense.
According to a survey of more than 6,000 college students, to save money most university undergrads make like cavemen and simply smell expired food before determining whether or not it’s safe to eat.
Food experts call the common practice “dangerous” and “unhealthy.”
Frankly, I was surprised by how some of the students answered the survey questions. For example, when asked whether they thought dry packaged foods like ramen or boxed macaroni and cheese last forever, the majority of the students queried answered “yes.”
For the record, the answer is “NO!”
According to food experts:
“Forever is a long time. These items will last for some time, but not indefinitely. The quality will be affected by long-term storage. The flavors may change over time. The texture of the noodles might not be as good but they won’t become unsafe.”
Experts recommend eating boxed food by the “Best If Used By” date printed on the package. It’s not dangerous to eat a product after the “Best If Used By” date, but experts say it could taste different or stale.
In regards to milk and eggs, food experts say drinking milk a day or two after its use-by date shouldn’t be an issue. However, if you notice changes in flavor, consistency, or smell, then you shouldn’t chance it.
For eggs, the USDA recommends using within three to five weeks of the date of purchase. The “sell-by” date will usually expire by then, but the eggs are still safe to consume.
However, if you are planning to keep eggs and milk past the “sell-by” date, then it’s best to store them in the coldest area of the refrigerator, not on the door, since it’s four to five degrees warmer there.
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