Pantry Check – Do You Know What’s in There?
If your pantry cabinet is like mine, it probably has a lot of stuff in it, in cans, boxes and other containers. It’s very easy to forget exactly what’s in there…and how long it has been there, unless you check it on a regular basis. This can set you up for some problems, ranging from annoying to deadly.
Most manufacturers are not legally required by the FDA to put dates on their products. The exception to that is infant formula and baby food. States may have individual laws, and egg dates are a good example. When there are dates, the FDA has rules about how they are worded. Most important to by attention to is “used by” and “expiration” dates.
Here are a few problems that can develop if you keep or use products after they have expired:
Food Poisoning: There are a lot of different types of food poisoning, though some will not apply to shelf stable products. However, several can. Most of them cause gastrointestinal problems, usually within two to six hours of ingestion. If you suspect food poisoning, see your doctor and bring any leftovers with you. Severe reactions or signs of illnesses in the very old, the very young or someone with a compromised immune system should be taken to the emergency room.
Insects: You may not like this next bit of information, but you should know it. If it is made from grain, there are insect eggs in it. Pasta, bread crumbs, cake mixes and other products have them and they may be viable. Eating the eggs won’t hurt you, but keeping the products longer than the expiration date increases the likelihood they will hatch and possibly escape.
If you want to keep these products for a while, there are things you can do. Freezing them can help, though it may cause flavor problems. Sealing them in air tight plastic containers and placing bay leaves in them are also options. The bay leaves will impart some flavor to these products, so you may have problems if you use them to bake cakes.
Mold: Baked goods, especially bread that is stored in the pantry is subject to mold. This can cause problems for those who are allergic to molds, so it is necessary to keep an eye on these products.
Quality: Many foods can last longer and be edible than that listed on the date. However, the quality of the product will go down as the days, weeks, months and years roll by. Many of these use a “best if used by” date rather than an expiration date. The fresher the ingredients, the better the taste.
Rotten Food: If you keep your potatoes, onions and other produce in your pantry, keep an eye on it. Depending on the climate, these can go bad, leaving a mess and a foul odor. Due to the odor, it will probably not be consumed, but it can damage the surfaces it rests on and it’s hard to get rid of the smell.
