What should be done with food that has reached its expiration date?

Food that has reached its expiration date should be discarded and not consumed because the expiration date indicates the point in time when the food is no longer guaranteed to be safe for consumption. Consuming food past its expiration date can pose health risks due to the potential for spoilage, the growth of harmful bacteria, or the degradation of food quality, including taste and texture.

While some foods may still be safe to eat after their expiration date if stored properly, this is not something that can be generalized for all food items. Freezing food is sometimes a good option for extending shelf life, but it should be done before the expiration date, not afterward. Consuming food immediately after its expiration is also risky since it could compromise food safety. Donating expired food may violate food safety regulations and poses potential liability issues. Hence, the best practice is to discard food that has reached its expiration date to ensure safety and health.