The foods in your fridge and pantry sometimes last longer than you think.
Infant formula is an exception
You should always follow the expiration date for infant formula.
It is the only food product with an expiration date regulated by the FDA.
All infant formula should be thrown away after that date.
Illustration by Mira Norian for Verywell Health
Heavy creamis a tricky one.
Some dairies will use ultra-high processing to allow the cream to last longer.
Look for UHT (ultra-high temperature) on the label, Maples said.
Its OK to leave butter out at room temperature, but the flavor can go rancid within two days.
it’s possible for you to also store butter in the freezer for up to nine months.
Allsoft cheeses, including cream cheese, ricotta cheese, and goat cheese, must be refrigerated.
If the cheese you bought was shredded, its only good for about a month after opening.
A little molding on hard cheese isnt a problem.
The issue is more about taste and food quality, not food safety.
Throw out the whole container when a soft cheese is moldy.
Yogurtstays fresh in the fridge for about two weeks after purchase.
Discard it if it smells rotten or looks funky.
Spoiled poultry will turn dark, feel slimy, and smell like rotten eggs.
Shrimpandsquidcan last half a year to 18 months in the freezer.
Moldy berries clearly need to be composted, but how should you judge the rest?
Baggedleafy greensstay fresh for three to five days if unopened.
Theyll keep longer once opened if you wrap the leaves in dry paper towels.
Bread and Flour
Breadmight seem like a pantry item, but it lasts longer when chilled.
If you notice the flour starting to clump or smell sour, its time to part with it.
Most other baking staples dont benefit from refrigeration.
Is Your Fridge at the Right Temperature?
Always remember to put your grocery away as soon as you get home.
To slow bacteria growth, keep your fridge at 40 degrees or below and your freezer at 0 degrees.
Department of Health and Human Services.FoodKeeper app.
U.S. Department of Agriculture.Does all cheese need to be refrigerated?
U.S. Department of Agriculture.How long can you store eggs in the refrigerator?
U.S. Department of Agriculture.What does it mean when an egg floats in water?
U.S. Department of Agriculture.The color of meat and poultry.
U.S. Department of Agriculture.How can I tell if chicken is spoiled?
Food and Drug Administration.Selecting and serving fresh and frozen seafood safely.
U.S. Department of Agriculture.How long can I store bread?
Food and Drug Administration.Are You Storing Food Safely?
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Listeria(listeriosis).
