13 Foods You Should Never Eat Past the Expiration Date

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# 13 Foods You Should Never Eat Past the Expiration Date

We’ve all been there—standing in front of the fridge, holding a food item just past its expiration date, wondering: *Is this really unsafe, or is it just a suggestion?*

While some foods can last longer than their printed dates, **others should never be eaten past expiration—no matter how they look or smell**. In these cases, taking a risk can lead to food poisoning, bacterial infections, or serious health complications.

Understanding which foods are dangerous past their expiration date isn’t about fear—it’s about **food safety and protecting your health**.

In this article, we’ll cover **13 foods you should never eat after their expiration date**, why they’re risky, and what can happen if you ignore the warning signs.

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## Expiration Dates: What Do They Really Mean?

Before we dive in, let’s clarify something important.

* **“Best By”** usually refers to quality, not safety
* **“Use By” or “Expiration Date”** often refers to safety
* **Perishable foods** are the most dangerous when expired

For the foods on this list, the expiration date is **not optional**.
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