13 Foods You Should Never Eat Past the Expiration Date

Prepared and frequently handled foods pose additional risks. Jarred condiments can become contaminated through repeated use, while potato and egg salads are especially vulnerable due to frequent exposure during serving. Cold-pressed juices, unlike pasteurized varieties, lack treatments that kill bacteria and should never be consumed past their expiration date.

Animal-based products require extra caution. Fresh meat and fish should be cooked or frozen promptly, with ground meat and deli meats posing higher risks due to bacterial spread and Listeria growth. Shellfish, particularly oysters, can harbor dangerous bacteria if consumed past their safe window.

Produce is not exempt from risk. Fresh berries, leafy greens, and sprouts can carry harmful pathogens even when they appear fresh. When it comes to high-risk foods, it is safer to discard questionable items than to risk serious illness.