[rmason56]

Originally Posted by Henryk

Hubby and I are having a ... uh, a discussion. He's cleaning out the refrig and wants to toss stuff with a past date. I say it isn't necessary for things like:

A-1 Sauce
Chicken soup base
Hot sauces
Ketchup

I say that even thought the label says "best by 2016" there are so many preservatives (read: salt) that they won't spoil. What do you think?

If it says "Best Before" then I would certainly continue to use it as the manufacturer is only saying that it might not be at peak condition after that date but is still OK to use. My Grandfather and then my Mother owned and operated grocery stores and we were all brought up eating everything that was past its "Sell By" date which seems to have been superseded by the other 2 warnings. Never had a problem with anything. If it says "Use By" then it is probably fresh meat of produce and I let my nose tell me if it is OK but only for a few days after.

[Ele201]

I’m glad you brought in this topic, because my hubby and I have had this same conversation a few times! I’m more like your hubby, I tend to toss things by expiration, he seems to keep things longer, even years after expire dates.

I do think it depends on the item, though. I love my condiments, and our fridge holds an entire shelf of those. I agree that ketchup seems to last beyond the expire dates. Hot sauce too, but — when these start to “separate,” the flavor changes and I toss them. I love mustards, and I’ll keep these beyond the “best by” or expire date until they get gloppy. Chicken base (or chicken stock) is something I don’t keep around after an expire date. It just goes bad after the date on it.

[CrabCake]

When in doubt, throw it out!!

[taylor111947]

Just a suggestion. A lot of cans/jars/boxes (especially those BOGO free items) tend to get lost in the back of my pantry. Recently I took a Sharpie and wrote the expiry date on the top. Now, cleaning out my pantry (usually just before my son comes to visit ������) is much easier.
As for the fridge - condiments are about the only thing I don’t toss if beyond the expiry date.

[JanetMM]

Originally Posted by Henryk

Hubby and I are having a ... uh, a discussion. He's cleaning out the refrig and wants to toss stuff with a past date. I say it isn't necessary for things like:

A-1 Sauce
Chicken soup base
Hot sauces
Ketchup


I say that even thought the label says "best by 2016" there are so many preservatives (read: salt) that they won't spoil. What do you think?

I tend to agree, especially about ketchup. BUT if hubby is DOING the job, I would let him do it his way and thank him. Tossing old stuff from fridge is kinda “gag me with a spoon” sort of job for me.

[Stu from NYC]

We have always found that stuff in the freezer kind of gets lost and found 6 months or a year after we bought it.

Generally if no ice crystals inside package usually ok.

[Vhaishmcmahe]

You guys are too cute! We have had the same discussion with air quotes. LOL! people that believe in dates truly believe in them and you will never talk them out of it. Let him throw them out and buy new. Better safe than sorry. Hope you guys are well.

[La lamy]

I have the same issue. I'm on the throw it out side of things, he isn't. But then again he doesn't throw ANYTHING out!

[Rsenholzi]

Proper hygiene prevents illnesses. A watery liquid will begin to separate on ketchup. It will turn to dark maroon instead of bright red. If either of these happen , it should go. It is good for 1 year past the printed date because the date stamped is already 15 months from the production date. Chicken broth will have a sour smell , you will see sentiment in the bottom or it may appear cloudy. Steak sauce has the same qualities. It will develop an odor, mold sometimes appears, flavor or appearance chances. But I say why take the chance. Is it worth getting sick over because you want a few more months out of it? Throw it out and go to the $1 store and buy a small bottle

[giorgio1948]

Originally Posted by Henryk

Hubby and I are having a ... uh, a discussion. He's cleaning out the refrig and wants to toss stuff with a past date. I say it isn't necessary for things like:

A-1 Sauce
Chicken soup base
Hot sauces
Ketchup

I say that even thought the label says "best by 2016" there are so many preservatives (read: salt) that they won't spoil. What do you think?

Why take the chance? Throw it out...think of the germs & bacterium that could grow in there, waiting for you ingest. Ugly

[Bay Kid]

Checking the expiration date requires glasses....

[sktb888]

I vote for TOSSING.

[crash]

Originally Posted by Henryk

Hubby and I are having a ... uh, a discussion. He's cleaning out the refrig and wants to toss stuff with a past date. I say it isn't necessary for things like:

A-1 Sauce
Chicken soup base
Hot sauces
Ketchup

I say that even thought the label says "best by 2016" there are so many preservatives (read: salt) that they won't spoil. What do you think?

The items you have listed are all sold non refrigerated and are safe past the best by date. They may not taste as good because of degradation and oxidation so would toss them for flavor reasons.

[Two Bills]

Wife and I used to discuss this question, but we don't anymore.
She chucks.
I eat.
Winner take all!

[JoelJohnson]

When in doubt, throw it out! Is a few dollars worth risking your health?