When is it Safe to Ignore an Expiration Date?

There is no doubt about it — the cost of food is out of control. That’s why it really hurts when you have to throw something out just because it’s reached its best-buy date. Fortunately there’s good news about safely consuming those forgotten foods.

Huffington Post reports that in some cases it’s okay to ignore the expiration date. For example, you can probably stretch your eggs for a few extra days (just make sure to smell them before cooking) while dry pasta and canned goods, if stored properly, are often good for two years passed their best-buy date. Staple items such as flour, sugar, vinegar, sauce, peanut butter, and rice can also be used long after the date stamped on the package.

The Seniors Trust believes no senior should be struggling to make ends meet. We are committed to improving the financial well-being of America’s retirees through passage of The Social Security Expansion Act. It will give retirees an immediate benefits increase of about $200 a month, establish a fair annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), increase minimum benefits, and ensure the long-term solvency of the Social Security program.