### b. Meat and Poultry

* Highly perishable
* Look for sliminess, bad odor, discoloration
* When in doubt, cook thoroughly or discard

### c. Seafood

* Spoils fast
* Should be consumed fresh or frozen immediately
* Fishy or ammonia odors indicate spoilage

### d. Eggs

* Can be safe beyond sell-by date if refrigerated
* Use float test (fresh eggs sink, bad eggs float)

### e. Leftovers

* Consume within 3-4 days if refrigerated
* Reheat thoroughly

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## 6. Foods That Can Last Beyond Their Dates

* Dry pasta, rice, beans
* Canned goods (check for bulging or rust)
* Frozen foods (quality may decline but usually safe indefinitely if frozen)
* Honey and sugar (practically indefinite shelf life)

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## 7. The Role of Sensory Evaluation

Before tossing food, use your senses:

* **Sight**: Check for mold, discoloration, or texture changes.
* **Smell**: Spoiled food often has sour, rancid, or foul odors.
* **Touch**: Sliminess or stickiness can indicate spoilage.
* **Taste**: Only when it passes the above tests, a small taste can confirm freshness.

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## 8. Food Storage Tips to Maximize Shelf Life

Proper storage can extend shelf life:

* Refrigerate perishables promptly.
* Store dry goods in airtight containers.
* Freeze meat and leftovers if not consumed within a few days.
* Keep humidity and temperature controlled in pantry.

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## 9. Understanding Food Safety Risks

Ignoring expiration dates without caution can cause:

* Food poisoning
* Stomach infections
* Long-term health complications

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## 10. How to Reduce Food Waste Related to Expiration Dates

* Plan meals and shop wisely.
* Use FIFO (first in, first out) principle.
* Freeze leftovers.
* Compost food scraps.

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## 11. Technology and Innovation in Food Expiration

* Smart packaging with time-temperature indicators.
* Apps to track food inventory and expiration.
* Modified atmosphere packaging.

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## 12. Conclusion

Food expiration dates provide valuable guidance but require context. Understanding the difference between quality and safety, combined with proper storage and sensory evaluation, can help consumers reduce waste and avoid foodborne illness.

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### FAQ Section

**Q: Is it safe to eat yogurt past its expiration date?**
A: Often yes, if it smells and tastes fine, yogurt can last up to 1-3 weeks past the date.

**Q: Can canned food go bad?**
A: Yes, if the can is bulging, rusted, or leaking.

**Q: What does “freeze by” date mean?**
A: The last date recommended to freeze the product for best quality.

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If you want, I can expand any section with more detail or add scientific references. Just let me know!