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Expiration Dates

All articles tagged with #expiration dates

food-and-health1 year ago

Decoding Food Date Labels: What They Actually Indicate

The printed dates on food packages, such as "Best If Used By" or "Best By," do not indicate expiration but rather provide guidance on when the product's quality may deteriorate. The FDA emphasizes that these dates do not necessarily mean the food is unsafe to eat after that point. Signs of spoilage, like off-odor or flavor, should be considered before consuming. Proper storage based on manufacturer guidance is crucial to maintain food quality and safety. The USDA's FoodKeeper App offers storage guidance, and efforts to reduce food waste include removing "best before" labels on some foods. While federal policy to clarify date labeling has been proposed, it has yet to advance.

food-and-health1 year ago

Decoding Food Date Labels: What They Actually Indicate

The printed date on food packages, such as "Best If Used By" or "Best By," does not necessarily mean the product has expired, according to the FDA. It's more of a guideline for quality, and the food may still be safe to eat after that date if handled properly. Signs of spoilage should be the determining factor for whether the food is still good to consume. The USDA provides guidance on how to store different foods, and the FoodKeeper App offers further advice on maximizing freshness and quality. Efforts to reduce food waste include removing "best before" labels on some foods, and the FDA recommends using "best if used by" for freshness and "use by" for perishable goods.

food-and-health1 year ago

Decoding Food Date Labels: What They Actually Indicate

The printed date on food packages does not necessarily mean the food has expired, as it is often misunderstood by consumers. The date is more of a guideline for when the quality of the food may deteriorate, rather than an indication of safety. The USDA advises that food can still be safe and wholesome after the date has passed if handled properly until spoilage is evident. Proper storage based on manufacturer guidance is crucial to maintain food quality. The USDA and FDA recommend checking for quality and spoilage before discarding food based on the date label, and the USDA offers a FoodKeeper App for storage guidance. Efforts to reduce food waste include removing "best before" labels on some foods, and there have been attempts to clarify date labeling through federal policy.

food-safety2 years ago

"The Surprising Link Between Expiration Dates and Funky Smells in Food"

Expiration dates on food products serve as guidelines for maintaining food safety and quality. The "sell-by" date is for retailers, indicating when the product should be sold for peak quality. The "use-by" date suggests the optimal time for consuming the product at its best quality, but not necessarily a safety deadline. Foods like fish, meats, dairy products, and pre-prepared salads have "use-by" dates due to the potential risk of bacterial growth. However, dry goods, spices, packaged snacks, condiments, and hard cheeses can often be safe to consume past their expiration dates, although their taste and quality may diminish over time. Honey, white rice, and vinegar are examples of foods that never expire. Determining expiration dates involves scientific analysis and testing by food manufacturers.

health2 years ago

"Free COVID Tests Delivered to Your Home: Check Expiration Dates and Order Today"

The expiration date on your box of COVID-19 tests indicates the final day the test is expected to perform effectively. While the FDA authorizes at-home test kits with a shelf life of about four to six months, manufacturers can request an extension if they find additional data showing the tests are still accurate past the expiration date. It is not recommended to use expired tests as the components may degrade, leading to inaccurate results. To check if the shelf life of your COVID-19 tests has been extended, you can refer to the FDA's At-Home OTC COVID-19 Diagnostic Tests webpage, which lists the expiration dates and extensions for various brands.

health2 years ago

Expired COVID Tests: To Use or Not to Use?

As COVID-19 cases surge, it's important to check the expiration dates on your at-home COVID-19 test kits. While the FDA typically authorizes a shelf life of four to six months, manufacturers can request an extension if they have data showing the tests remain accurate. It is not recommended to use expired tests as the components may degrade, leading to inaccurate results. To determine if your test's shelf life has been extended, check the FDA's website or contact the manufacturer. Free COVID-19 tests can also be ordered through USPS.

travel2 years ago

"Maximize Your Travel Rewards with AwardWallet"

AwardWallet is a tool that allows users to easily manage and track their miles and points balances across various loyalty programs. Users can sign up for a free account, upload their loyalty program details, and keep track of account numbers and passwords. AwardWallet also helps users stay updated on the expiration dates of their points, certificates, and other loyalty perks. While some may have concerns about sharing personal information with a third party, AwardWallet provides a convenient way to minimize the risk of account hacking or points theft. The basic version is free, but the premium version, AwardWallet Plus, offers additional features such as displaying expiration dates for all balances and updating account balances in parallel. Overall, AwardWallet is a valuable tool for those who want to easily manage their loyalty program accounts.

health2 years ago

Testing the Efficacy of Expired Covid Tests Amidst Rising Cases

As COVID-19 cases surge in the US and new variants emerge, Americans are advised not to throw away expired at-home COVID-19 tests just yet. The FDA has extended the expiration dates for many popular at-home test products, allowing some old kits to still be safe for use. However, using expired tests increases the risk of inaccurate results, which could jeopardize health. Testing remains crucial as COVID-19 metrics rise, but traditional lab PCR tests have become more expensive and less accessible. Before purchasing new at-home tests, individuals are encouraged to check if their expired tests have extended expiration dates on the FDA's website.

health2 years ago

The Truth About Expired Covid Tests During the Surge

As the availability of lab P.C.R. tests declines, at-home rapid tests have become more important in detecting Covid-19. However, it is crucial to check the expiration date of the test, as expired tests may not provide accurate results. The FDA has extended expiration dates for certain brands, which can be checked on their website. Extreme heat can also damage at-home tests, so it is recommended to wait at least two hours after delivery on hot days. Testing guidelines vary depending on symptoms and exposure, with immediate testing recommended for those with symptoms and recent exposure. Testing multiple times, especially if asymptomatic, is advised for accurate results. Additionally, individuals who experience Paxlovid rebound should test within two to eight days after recovery, as rebound cases can still be contagious.