FoodPerils of expired fridge foods: What you need to know

Perils of expired fridge foods: What you need to know

Storing food products in the refrigerator is a routine task for most people. However, not everyone is aware of how easily a mistake can be made, which can lead to health risks.

What risks are associated with keeping certain products in the refrigerator?
What risks are associated with keeping certain products in the refrigerator?
Images source: © Adobe Stock | africa-studio.com (Olga Yastremska and Leonid Yastremskiy)

The refrigerator is where most of our daily food items are kept. Yet, it's easy to let them spoil. Expired products might seem harmless but can pose significant health threats.

Expired products from the refrigerator - Which ones are the most dangerous?

Storing food in the refrigerator is one of the basic methods to ensure its freshness, but not every product has the same shelf life. Particularly dangerous can be storing these expired products:

Mayonnaise - This is a common product that can lead to health problems after its expiration date. Since mayonnaise contains raw eggs, it can harbour bacteria like Salmonella. Once opened, mayonnaise should be stored in the refrigerator, and its shelf life is typically around 2 months. If the mayonnaise starts to emit an unpleasant odour or has a changed consistency, it's best to discard it.

  • Creamy salad dressings - Ranch, Caesar, or blue cheese dressings contain dairy ingredients that spoil quickly. If you notice the dressing has a strange smell, is separating, or has a rancid taste, be sure to dispose of it. Creamy dressings can be safe for about 1-2 months after opening if stored properly.
  • Pickles and fermented cucumbers - Although fermented products have a long shelf life, they can still spoil, especially when their brine changes colour or emits an unpleasant odour. Pickles, when stored properly in a cool refrigerator, can last for several months, but if their appearance or taste changes, it's better to throw them away.
  • Vinegar-based sauces - Products like mustard can last a long time (even up to 2-3 years), but it's best to use them within a year of opening. Changes in colour, taste, and consistency may indicate the sauce has become less tasty or is starting to spoil.
  • Sweet sauces (ketchup, BBQ sauce) - Due to their high sugar content, which acts as a preservative, these types of sauces can last up to a year after opening if stored properly. However, if you notice the ingredients separating, or a change in colour or smell, it's better not to use them.

    • How to extend the shelf life of food products?

    Although expired products can pose a risk, there are many ways to extend the freshness of food items in the refrigerator.

    Proper storage in the refrigerator - The key to a longer shelf life for food products is proper storage. It's advisable to store only those products in the refrigerator that require it, and keep the rest in a dry and cool place.

  • Avoiding contact with contaminated utensils - Pay attention to how you use food products. Using dirty utensils can lead to the penetration of bacteria. To avoid such situations, it's best to use clean spoons and knives and avoid introducing items that may introduce bacteria into the jar.
  • Freezing products - If you are unsure whether a product will last until its expiration date, it's a good idea to freeze it. Many products, such as cold cuts, cheeses, or ready meals, can be stored in the freezer for a long time, allowing for their later use without the risk of spoiling.
  • Temperature control - Make sure the temperature in your refrigerator does not exceed 4°C. If it's higher, food spoils much faster. Extremely low temperatures also do not favour the storage of some products, especially those sensitive to freezing, such as fruits, vegetables, or certain types of cheese.
  • Cleaning packaging and refrigerator walls - Regularly cleaning the inside of the refrigerator helps maintain products in appropriate conditions. Storing products in well-sealed containers not only protects them from contamination but also prevents unpleasant odours from spreading from other products. It's also worth periodically cleaning the shelves to avoid the multiplication of bacteria.
  • Checking expiration dates - Even if there are no visible signs of spoilage, it's worth regularly checking the expiration dates of products in the refrigerator. It's also important to remember that, after opening, some products, like mayonnaise, sauces, or dressings, may have a shorter shelf life, so it's worth checking them more frequently.
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