Wait Before You Toss Expired Items from Your Pantry

Most shelf-stable foods are safe indefinitely.

Don’t toss that expired box of pasta! Our first instinct upon discovering expired items in our pantry or freezer is to throw it away. But that’s not always necessary according to the USDA. Most shelf-stable foods are safe indefinitely. Many dates on foods refer to quality, not safety. In fact, canned goods will last for years, as long as the can itself is in good condition (no rust, dents, or swelling). Packaged foods (cereal, pasta, cookies) will be safe past the ‘Best By’ date. Food poisoning bacteria does not grow in the freezer, so no matter how long a food is frozen, it is safe to eat.