When I was a kid, it never lasted long enough to go bad. There was four of us going to school and carrying lunches. None of them were refrigerated and nobody died.
I remember a time before date codes, if the cake mix or pancake mix didn’t have worms in it, it was safe to eat. You only watched out for bloated cans, if the milk was sour you used it for making breads or chocolate cake. (the lumpy stuff you tossed). Dried out bread was for bread pudding and to this day, I still always check eggs right before I use them, by putting in a glass of water to see if they float. If they do, I throw them out, if they sink, good to use. (Google it) I was raised by my grandparents who lived through the depression.
I’m not all that picky about expiration dates or best by use dates except for dairy and a few other things. That said, the effects of food poisoning are high on my list of things to avoid.
My Dad liked to cut mold off of things saying ‘We always did this and it never killed us!’My sister the nurse replied “In the old days Dad, people died for no reason.”So he stopped doing that.
A few years ago, I found an unopened jar of a nationally known mayonaise that was well past its best if used by date (by over a year). I emailed the company and asked if it was SAFE to use. They replied with a link to the FAQ’s which just said it’s a best if used by date.
I replied with a “that wasn’t what I asked” and they either couldn’t or wouldn’t answer my question. Since it was so far past the best if used by date, I did pitch it and I have never bought anything produced by that company since. If they don’t know their product or refuse to answer customer questions, then that’s not a reputable company and they don’t get my money
Arlo, I worked in the grocery business for over 10 years and a Safety Department for 5, the language is a legal instrument to protect food manufacturers from lawsuits. Food does have storage limits.
Last week on Wednesday I bought a NY Sirloin steak at the grocery store. It had a $1.50 off coupon, making it an $8.00 piece of meat. I’m sure they marked it down to get it sold. I cooked it on Thursday and spent the weekend with Charmin’s finest. I know it was the steak because I shared a big piece of it with my dog…..he threw his share up. Wish I could have done the same.
Back in the 80s there was this comedian who had a bit about his mom told him mayonnaise could kill you on a hot day. Wish I could find because at the time I thought it was pretty hilarious.
Back then mayonnaise was made from fresh eggs, lemon juice, and oil. The raw eggs can and will go bad quickly on a hot day. Modern “mayos” generally have no natural ingredients.
It’s not “safe to eat” date, or not even “it tastes best”, it’s “it looks best if eaten beofre” date. It’s shocking how much food is wasted simply because people don’t have a slightest idea how food spoilage works, and what those dates on the packaging actually mean.
My grandmother said “Any landing you can walk away from is a good one.” and “When you meet a fascist, kill them because that’s the only way to reason with them.” Gramma worked at Lockheed building P-38s during WWII and later earned her pilot’s license and flight instructor’s certificate. For my 15th birthday she started giving me flight instruction and signed my ticket in the summer of my 16th year.
For everyone who is saying about date codes, I do respect them.
The risk of food poison is not worth is. I just had about a little while back, suspect the spinach wrap, but no proof. Yea lost three pounds, but the process was painful and back ached for a few days.
When I was stations in Germany in the mid-80’s, I went to a case sale and bought a case of toothpaste. When I moved back to the States, it got shoved and hidden in the back of the bathroom closet. Fifteen years later, I found it, called the 1-800 number to ask about it. The guy told me it would be just fine, it just might taste a little funny.
One problem we have with foods such as mayo is that the packages of them are TOO BIG. I don’t use condiments – the only thing I MIGHT contemplate is ketchup – but even that I don’t use. Husband has a jar of Mayo it is 15 oz, his jar of mustard is 20 oz and he has a couple of bottles of salad dressing – pt each, and having just looked in the fridge to see of all of this, I am surprised there is no ketchup in there for him. It will take at least a year to 3 years to use up each of these items. They are just too big a container for one person!
We check the dates and decide what to do – does it smell and look right or not and so on.
What is needed is small 8 oz bottles and jars (I know mayo used to come in that size) and less would be wasted – BUT also less would sold and it would also cost more per ounce.
Tyge Premium Member 11 months ago
Which grandmother was that? The snake charmer?
Tyge Premium Member 11 months ago
Arlo! Bad mayo will ruin your legs from the knees down!
SpacedInvader Premium Member 11 months ago
When I was a kid, it never lasted long enough to go bad. There was four of us going to school and carrying lunches. None of them were refrigerated and nobody died.
AnneFackler 11 months ago
That’s Hubby !!!Then wonders why his stomach hurts…eye roll.
deblee77 11 months ago
I remember a time before date codes, if the cake mix or pancake mix didn’t have worms in it, it was safe to eat. You only watched out for bloated cans, if the milk was sour you used it for making breads or chocolate cake. (the lumpy stuff you tossed). Dried out bread was for bread pudding and to this day, I still always check eggs right before I use them, by putting in a glass of water to see if they float. If they do, I throw them out, if they sink, good to use. (Google it) I was raised by my grandparents who lived through the depression.
David Huie Green LosersBlameOthers&It'sYOURfault 11 months ago
snakes never bite anyone out of their reach
Just-me 11 months ago
joe.altmaier 11 months ago
My Dad liked to cut mold off of things saying ‘We always did this and it never killed us!’My sister the nurse replied “In the old days Dad, people died for no reason.”So he stopped doing that.
mgl179 11 months ago
A few years ago, I found an unopened jar of a nationally known mayonaise that was well past its best if used by date (by over a year). I emailed the company and asked if it was SAFE to use. They replied with a link to the FAQ’s which just said it’s a best if used by date.
I replied with a “that wasn’t what I asked” and they either couldn’t or wouldn’t answer my question. Since it was so far past the best if used by date, I did pitch it and I have never bought anything produced by that company since. If they don’t know their product or refuse to answer customer questions, then that’s not a reputable company and they don’t get my money
bikamper 11 months ago
My grandmother told me to be suspicious of a guy in a suit and tie that has a toothy smile.
NeedaChuckle Premium Member 11 months ago
33% of food or more is trashed in USA due to those stupid dates. It is BEST BY not EXPIRED!!!
JessieRandySmithJr. 11 months ago
Arlo, I worked in the grocery business for over 10 years and a Safety Department for 5, the language is a legal instrument to protect food manufacturers from lawsuits. Food does have storage limits.
Egrayjames 11 months ago
Last week on Wednesday I bought a NY Sirloin steak at the grocery store. It had a $1.50 off coupon, making it an $8.00 piece of meat. I’m sure they marked it down to get it sold. I cooked it on Thursday and spent the weekend with Charmin’s finest. I know it was the steak because I shared a big piece of it with my dog…..he threw his share up. Wish I could have done the same.
DaBump Premium Member 11 months ago
Yep, they do bite, but if you know what your holding is a garter snake, you know you don’t have to worry about it.
jmarkow11 11 months ago
Jarred Mayo is emulsified and preserved aand it was in the fridge. Not gonna kill ya, kids
dv1093 11 months ago
2 months old mayo??? OMG ewwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww
david_42 11 months ago
“Best by” means exactly that. it is not an expiration date. We have some freeze-dried camp food that has a “Best by” date in 2049.
The Orange Mailman 11 months ago
Back in the 80s there was this comedian who had a bit about his mom told him mayonnaise could kill you on a hot day. Wish I could find because at the time I thought it was pretty hilarious.
FassEddie 11 months ago
But she also spoke in tongues, so we all thought she was a wingnut.
Saddenedby Premium Member 11 months ago
my grandmother always said “LAND O GOSHEN CHILD! What did you get into?” — never knew quite how to answer her……
Steverino Premium Member 11 months ago
If you eat bad mayonnaise, you will end up at the Mayo Clinic.
Jhony-Yermo 11 months ago
Open it. If is doesn’t stink, use it. Easy peasy. I spit on the phony “use by” dates.
Charles 11 months ago
Back then mayonnaise was made from fresh eggs, lemon juice, and oil. The raw eggs can and will go bad quickly on a hot day. Modern “mayos” generally have no natural ingredients.
MuddyUSA Premium Member 11 months ago
Even as cartoons, their lives are boring……….now?
sekotsydna Premium Member 11 months ago
Arlo may not be having the best holiday weekend.
paranormal 11 months ago
It said BEST, not ‘not to use’. It means the texture may not be consistent, the color may change and it may not change as normal.
mkw Premium Member 11 months ago
Even the FDA will tell you that use by dates have nothing to do with safety
gashren 11 months ago
It’s not “safe to eat” date, or not even “it tastes best”, it’s “it looks best if eaten beofre” date. It’s shocking how much food is wasted simply because people don’t have a slightest idea how food spoilage works, and what those dates on the packaging actually mean.
Gina Carson 11 months ago
My grandmother said my n_ipples would be more tender on my period and boy was she right. (o )( o)
Teto85 Premium Member 11 months ago
My grandmother said “Any landing you can walk away from is a good one.” and “When you meet a fascist, kill them because that’s the only way to reason with them.” Gramma worked at Lockheed building P-38s during WWII and later earned her pilot’s license and flight instructor’s certificate. For my 15th birthday she started giving me flight instruction and signed my ticket in the summer of my 16th year.
locake 11 months ago
His mayo is fine to use if it is still sealed up. People toss out way too much perfectly good food. So wasteful.
MIHorn Premium Member 11 months ago
I ate some soup that was a few months past the best-by date. The ensuing stomach trouble is not an experience I care to have again.
Meg: All Seriousness Aside 11 months ago
They always blame the mayonnaise.
crazeekatlady 11 months ago
I avoid mayo and snakes! I’m safe.
JoeStoppinghem Premium Member 11 months ago
For everyone who is saying about date codes, I do respect them.
The risk of food poison is not worth is. I just had about a little while back, suspect the spinach wrap, but no proof. Yea lost three pounds, but the process was painful and back ached for a few days.
mathteacher678 11 months ago
My mayonnaise is a lot older than that.
Willameano Premium Member 11 months ago
When I was stations in Germany in the mid-80’s, I went to a case sale and bought a case of toothpaste. When I moved back to the States, it got shoved and hidden in the back of the bathroom closet. Fifteen years later, I found it, called the 1-800 number to ask about it. The guy told me it would be just fine, it just might taste a little funny.
mafastore 11 months ago
One problem we have with foods such as mayo is that the packages of them are TOO BIG. I don’t use condiments – the only thing I MIGHT contemplate is ketchup – but even that I don’t use. Husband has a jar of Mayo it is 15 oz, his jar of mustard is 20 oz and he has a couple of bottles of salad dressing – pt each, and having just looked in the fridge to see of all of this, I am surprised there is no ketchup in there for him. It will take at least a year to 3 years to use up each of these items. They are just too big a container for one person!
We check the dates and decide what to do – does it smell and look right or not and so on.
What is needed is small 8 oz bottles and jars (I know mayo used to come in that size) and less would be wasted – BUT also less would sold and it would also cost more per ounce.
SNVBD 11 months ago
Don’t confuse Best before, use by and sell by dates.