My husband and I were given some baby food by a friend. The baby cereal has a best if used by date of September 2008. Someone told my that it's still good for awhile after that date, but I'm not sure if I feel comfortable giving my son the food. Should I just throw it away or is it still good? If it's still good, for how long?
M.
if was a only a week or so past the date I would use but not now. I agree with in doubt throw it out.
J.
I'm the Queen of expiration dates and I ditto Toni's response, however, I have a friend who never abides by sold by/best by...dates and laughs at me for doing so. I would call the manufacturer's phone number on the item (they can also send you coupons for stuff too - just ask!) and find out what their recommendations are. All companies have them. Personally.... "a best by...date" from 4 months ago.... it would be tossed.
Hi M.,
I called the manufacturing company to get their opinion and they said it is not at its "freshest" after that date and will being to loose quality. They ask that I toss it out and they ask for my address and sent me coupons to replace it.
If it was sealed, does not contain dairy/meat products and is just that just a grain. I would say it would be okay to use up to 9-12 months past expiration date. If it contains anything other than just dried cereal pitch it. When you open the container use your nose, eyes to check for any abnormality.
The above being said, if you don't absolutely need to use it, don't. This way you won't be questioning yourself for weeks/months/years if your child were to get sick, was it what you fed them past date? People for centuries have preserved food and used it for years. Food that is in cans has a very long shelf life as long as they were properly canned and stored and the package not breached until ready to use. Dates for the most part are arbitrary. Companies used their best "guesstimate" of when taste/quality of product may deteriorate and walk it back a little to avoid having something litigious pop up. The only dates I would follow would be for infant formula/dairy and meat as the FDA actually cares enough to regulate this dating process and set of standards and usually they are okay with allowable amounts of rat hair in your peanut butter so if they say not to use something past a certain date, I would err on throwing it out early.
Maybe I'm a little paranoid, but once food 'expires' I throw it out. I don't like taking any chances with my health or welfare in that way.
My rule..."When in doubt, throw it out!"
