Most kitchens have a forgotten can of beans, soup, or vegetables tucked away in the pantry. When the expiration date passes, many people assume it’s unsafe and throw it out right away. But in many cases, that isn’t necessary. The truth is that most dates on canned foods indicate quality, not safety.
“Best By” or “Best Before” dates are meant to show when the product will taste its best, not when it suddenly becomes unsafe. “Use By” dates are more common on perishable items like dairy or meat and are also about quality rather than strict safety. If canned food has been stored properly in a cool, dry place away from sunlight, it often remains safe long after the printed date.....