Expiration Dates - Maybe It's Time to Clean Out Your Pantry, Fridge and Medicine Cabinet

These days a lot of people have pantries where they can buy and store large amounts of food. A great idea to save time and money. You only have to shop once and you get discounts for buying in bulk. 

But, how long are these foods actually good for? A lot of foods, at least foods that go in your pantry, have an “expiration date” on them. Or a “sell by” date. Or a “best if used by” date. 

What does this all mean? Well, unfortunately the answer isn’t as simple is you might expect. Foods like ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, herbs and many others have “best if used by” dates on them. 

Meats have “sell by” dates on them. These dates do not mean that the products are no longer good after that date. It means that, in the case of things like ketchup and mayonnaise (unopened), the products are at their ”best” if “used by” a specific date. After that the textures, consistency or taste might be affected. For meats the “sell by” date means that the stores want it out of the store and in your home “by” that date. But, you can still have it in your refrigerator after that date. It’s a bit confusing and scary. 

A great website that has a lot of information on “expiration dates” and can answer a lot of questions about those “dates on the cans” is: http://www.stilltasty.com/ 

It has tips for storage and how long food lasts. It answers questions such as: “When should you wash fruit, before you store it in the refrigerator or right before you eat it?”.  The answer: “right before you eat it”. 

Another question -  “Is it O.K. to put hot foods directly into the fridge?”.  The answer: “yes”. 

The website has info on : * Fruits * Vegetables * Dairy & Eggs * Meat & Poultry * Fishes & Shellfish * Nuts & Legumes * Grains & Pasta * Condiments & Oils * Herbs & Spices * Snacks & Sweets * Baked Goods * Beverages It’s a great website ! 

Another great article was published in Southern Living. Check it out:

How Often Do You Actually Need To Replace Your Pantry Staples?

Check it these great resources so that you can know how long your food is safe to eat. 

Also - don't forget your bathroom and medicine cabinet. Medicine does expire! If it's past the expiration date the medicine will not be effective. But - please do not flush it down the toilet! Most pharmacies have bins where you can take your expired medicines (both script and OTC meds).

Makeup - yes, makeup also expires. It's a good idea to write down the date that you started using your makeup (mascara, eyeliner, lipstick.....) and dispose of it after a certain period to time. Makeup can get contaminated easily so you want to be careful not to share your makeup and also know how long you've had it.

Now it's time to clear out and organize your pantry, fridge and medicine cabinet! Get into the habit of doing this at least once every six months. 

Less Clutter = Less Stress ^SM     in your home, your business and your life

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