How do food expiration dates work?!
okay i'm probably going to sound like a damned fool!.!.!.but how do expiration dates on food work!? does it expire on that date since opened or even if i don't open it at all will it expire by that date!. i know with most dairy and meat products its different!. but okay for example my cream cheese says that it expires on august 8th, 2008 HOWEVER are they assuming that it will be consumed by this point because seriously, its may right now, is a dairy product really able to last this long!? is this the in case you didn't open it until you know!.!.!. july 15th rule!? how long do i have since its OPENED!. canned foods!.!.!.obviously a different story, i can handle that at least!. but what about fresh vegtables, cheese, sour cream, milk, orange juice, bread, bagels!.!.!.things of that nature!.!.!.i live alone and i can't consume a bag of bagels in a week or even a week and 1/2 or much of anything unless i want to eat the same thing so i need help!Www@FoodAQ@Com
Answers:
the expiration date is just a guidline, mostly for the stores to know when to sell the product!. For you I would suggest things like bread, bagels!.!.!.freeze them!. They are good for like 6 mos frozen!. The creamcheese can be good until august unopened, unless you see mold on it and if its stored properly it can last a while!. milk is good abotu 7days after the date but always give it a little sniff, spoiled milk cant hurt you but tastes yucky!. basically except for meat and fish!.!.if it looks and smells good then eat it!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
Those are set by the manufacturer and governments!.!. Items will usually last a lot longer, except fresh meats which should be eaten or frozen within a few days of expiration!. I suggest that you break down items into smaller portions and either vacuum seal or freeze!.Www@FoodAQ@Com