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What's the deal with food expiration dates?

Washington Times reporter Jennifer Haberkorn, Comm '05, recently posted this question on Twitter:

"Just noticed that my Yoplait yogurt has a sell-by date of March 6. It's March 19. Is it safe? Can't be sick over #hcr (health care reform) weekend."

Although Haberkorn decided to pass on that questionable yogurt, we tracked down an answer for the bigger question of food expiration dates. Are they truly a health concern or merely a ploy to get you to buy more?

The expert: Barb Troy, a registered and certified dietician and clinical assistant professor of dietetics at Marquette

 "Food dating is confusing! Basically, there are 'use by' dates (like fresh meats), which mean you should use the product within one to two days post date. Ground meats are by far the most perishable and should really be used within one day or frozen. 'Sell by' dates, like on dairy products and eggs, assume use for up to a week post date. If something in a store is older than the 'sell by' date, it should turned into the grocer and not purchased.

"Other than fresh meats, dating is primarily about quality, not safety. A food could be unsafe without having an off color or smell. However, be especially careful if these warning signs are present even if the date hasn't expired.

"Whatever dating system is used, the assumption is made that the consumer is safely storing the food upon taking it home. (Example: Take milk directly home and put it in a refrigerator that is at 40 degrees F or lower.)"

Call us cheap, but we asked Troy a follow-up: What happens if you eat it anyway? She said:

"Most food-borne illness start with some form of a gastroenteritis, or stomach flu, caused by the effect of the offending bacteria on the gastric mucosa of the GI tract. Some, like botulism or e. coli, can move into more serious issues that involve nerve damage or renal failure. More often than not, IF a food has been handled properly (refrigerated quickly), going past the date will do no harm. The guideline is there to help ensure absolute safety."

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