Eat it or toss it? What those food expiration dates really mean
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop | Tribune-Review
Eggs need to be refrigerated and stored in a clean container. Don’t allow any moisture to get inside the carton because it can allow for bacteria to grow.
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop | Tribune-Review
Items at the food bank at the Allegheny Valley Association of Churches in Harrison are stored by dates to make sure items with the most recent sell by or best by dates are used first.
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop | Tribune-Review
Soda, especially diet soda, is best to drink by the date on the bottle or can because the artificial sweeteners can break down.
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop | Tribune-Review
Chocolate chips are best when refrigerated, especially in the spring and summer.
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop | Tribune-Review
Milk is an item that can easily go bad. Pay close attention to sell by dates.
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop | Tribune-Review
It’s best to store canned goods where you can see the expiration date or arrange them with the more recent date up front.
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop | Tribune-Review
This peanut butter is good until Feb. 24, 2022. It rarely spoils and doesn’t need refrigeration.
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop | Tribune-Review
Archway cookies have an “enjoy-by date.”
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop | Tribune-Review
Cereal is going to last longer in an air-tight container versus its original box.
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop | Tribune-Review
The sign on a refrigerator inside the food bank at the Allegheny Valley Association of Churches in Harrison says it all.
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop | Tribune-Review
This biscuit mix’s best by date is Feb. 24, 2022, but once the package is opened that date may not be good any longer. It’s best to make sure items such as this one is kept in a container in a cool place.
Submitted
Foods last longer in a freezer but need to be packaged properly and organized like this so you can see what’s in there.
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop | Tribune-Review
Store fruit in drawers in the refrigerator.
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop | Tribune-Review
Don’t leave milk out on the counter and if possible, store cereal and similar items in an air-tight container once it’s opened.
Courtesy of the Westmoreland County Food Bank
Volunteers checking dates and sorting donated foods to prepare them for the inventory process at the Westmoreland County Food Bank in Delmont
Courtesy of the Westmoreland County Food Bank
A pallet of donated flour with “best by date” clearly visible at the Westmoreland County Food Bank in Delmont.
