Seven foods you should never eat past their ‘use-by’ date or you could fall ill (2024)

Jenaed Brodell, a top sports dietitian, said some foods, like fresh fruit, are best off in the bin if they go past their "use-by" dates because they could make you seriously unwell

A top dietitian has warned some foods will make us seriously poorly if we eat them after their "use-by" dates - and we should bin them instead.

Jenaed Brodell, who specialises in sports nutrition and weight management, listed the foods which may cause an upset stomach, diarrhoea and vomiting, if consumed past their "use-by" marks.

They, and others, can even lead to more serious bacteria such as listeria, brucella, salmonella, and E. coli, which can be deadly.

But the dietitian stressed many other foods are fine to enjoy slightly past the recommended date on their label.

Fresh fruit, though, is one of seven foods to avoid eating past its "use-by".

1. Milk

The expert, who is founder of Nutritiona and Co, said dairy products, like milk and yoghurt, can harbour bacteria like listeria monocytogenes.

This can cause severe illness, especially in pregnant women, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems, Jenaed told The Sun.

2. Cheese

Likewise, cheese - particularly soft varieties like Brie - can become unsafe fairly quickly.

"These should be discarded if past their use-by date," Jenaed said.

Cheese can cause severe illness, especially in the vulnerable.

3. Chicken

Poultry, both raw and cooked, are "highly susceptible" to "harmful" bacterial growth, particularly salmonella, E. coli, and Campylobacter.

Other perishable meats can be risky too, Janaed said.

She added eating these foods after their use-by date can increase the risk of food poisoning, so are best put in the bin.

4. Eggs

Eggs, which are past their "use-by" dates, should be ditched, Janaed continued.

She said: "As eggs age, the protective barrier called the cuticle diminishes, making them more susceptible to bacterial penetration, including salmonella.

"To be safe, it's best to consume them before their use-by date."

5. Ham

Deli and pre-packaged meats can cause illness once they go beyond their recommended use-by date.

It is best to steer clear of them at that stage therefore, because they are prone to bacterial contamination.

This can lead to unpleasant foodborne illnesses and bacteria, like listeria.

6. Fresh fruit

While Jenaed understands it may seem surprising, she stresses fresh fruit can be harmful if consumed past its expiry date.

They same can be said for pre-packaged salads and veggies, which the expert suggests to avoid once they hit the "use-by" mark.

"These foods have a higher risk of bacterial contamination and can support the growth of pathogens such as salmonella or listeria," Janaed said.

7. Baby formula

And finally, it is "crucial" to strictly adhere to the use-by dates on baby food and formula.

These products are specifically designed for infants, who are more susceptible to bacterial growth.

There are, however, plenty of cupboard items that are mostly fine to eat beyond the date on the packaging.

Usually safe options include:

• Shelf-stable foods like canned goods, dried pasta, rice and grains

• Frozen foods like vegetables, fruits, meats and prepared meals

• Hard cheeses such as cheddar, parmesan or Swiss