April '2024 GOOD NEWS issue to publish | Page 20

Living -- pages 18 - 23 To your Health ! - Is This Food Expired ? -

Healthy

Living -- pages 18 - 23 To your Health ! - Is This Food Expired ? -

UNDERSTANDING DATE LABELS
Food is expensive ! Educate yourself about date labels and stop wasting money by strictly adhering to them if you don ' t need to . The dates that food companies put on packages are not regulated and do not mean that the food is unsafe to eat , except in the case of baby formula . Most foods are still safe and nutritious after the date has passed . Not sure if food is spoiled ? Check for an off flavor , odor , or texture . If in doubt , it ' s always best to throw it out . Here are some general guidelines to follow :
" BEST BY " or " BEST IF USED BY " date : This date tells you when the food will have the best flavor . It is still safe to eat past this date .
" USE BY " or " EXPIRATION " date : This is the last date that the product will be at its peak quality . It is still safe to east past this date ( except for baby formula ).
" PACKING / MANUFACTURING " date : This is the date used by manufacturers for tracking . It is not an expiration date - it is not related to food quality or safety .
" SELL BY " date : This tells the store how long to display the product for sale . It is still safe to eat past this date .
SAFE FOR UP TO 7 DAYS AFTER THE DATE : Milk • Yogurt • Cream Cheese
GOOD FOR UP TO 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE : Butter • Cheese • Eggs
GOOD FOR UP TO ONE YEAR AFTER THE DATE :
• Packaged food like cereal , pasta , dried beans , and baking mixes • Frozen foods
• Canned goods , including soup , condiments , meat , fruit , and vegetables

William R . Forse , OD

Family Eye Care

• Complete & Comprehensive Eye Exams • Pediatric Vision Analysis
• Glaucoma , Cataract , and Retinal Screening • Wide Selection of Fashion Eyewear
• Contact Lenses • Consultant for Lasik Surgery
Dr .' s Hours : Monday 1 pm - 7 pm , Wednesday 9 am - 1 pm , Thursday 9 - 11:30am , 1 - 5 pm . 1 Outlet Lane , Suite 310 ( in UPMC Center , beside PennDOT ), McElhattan • 570-769-2877
18 -- “ Good News ” -- April -- www . bearcountrygoodnews . com
Source : kidsthatdogood . com / sharefoodprogram