13 Foods You Should Never Eat Past the Expiration Date

Many people assume that any date printed on food packaging signals the moment a product becomes unsafe, but that isn’t always true. Most date labels are intended to guide retailers or indicate peak quality rather than food safety. “Sell-by” dates tell stores how long to display an item, while “use-by” and “best if used by” dates refer to flavor, texture, and freshness. Closed or coded dates are primarily for manufacturer tracking. With the exception of infant formula, the FDA does not require expiration dates on most foods, and many items remain safe beyond those printed dates.

Despite this, expiration guidance still matters, especially for foods that carry a higher risk of bacterial growth. Harmful bacteria do not always cause obvious spoilage, meaning food can look and smell fine while still being unsafe to eat. For certain perishable items, consuming them after their recommended date can significantly increase the risk of foodborne illness, even if there are no visible warning signs.

Egg substitutes and soft cheeses are among the most sensitive foods. Liquid egg products spoil faster than whole eggs and should be used within days of opening. Soft cheeses such as ricotta, cream cheese, feta, and goat cheese are prone to mold and bacterial growth and should be discarded once past their date or after about a week of opening.