When I go to the supermarket, I often see several products marked as "Expired Products, Discount Sale", one is free to buy, the other half price ... This kind of discount is exciting. So can I buy expired food? How to buy and choose expired food?
Expired foods refer to foods that are about to reach their diet expiration date, but are still within their expiration date. In 2012, according to the State Administration for Market Regulation, food operators were clearly required to issue clear warnings to consumers about expired food. That is, food that reaches the critical shelf life of the shelf life must be notified to consumers and sold separately. How long will the critical period last?
In particular, for foods with a shelf life of 1 year or more, the critical period is 45 days before expiration, such as canned food, confectionery and other foods; For food with a shelf life of 6 months to less than one year, the critical period is 20 days before expiration. Hari, instant noodles etc.; For foods with a shelf life of 90 days to 6 months, 15 days before critical expiration date, instant rice etc.; Food with a shelf life of 30 days to 90 days, critical period expiration, fresh eggs, etc. during the first 10 days; If the shelf life is 16 to 30 days, the critical period is 5 days before the expiration date such as yogurt and other foods; If the shelf life is less than 15 days, the critical period is 1 to 4 days before the expiration date, such as fresh milk.
According to "China Food Industry Market Analysis and Consumer Research Report 2020", in the 2020 China Consumer Survey, more than 40% of respondents expressed willingness to buy and recommend food to people around them; At expiration in the food consumption group during this period, 47.8% were aged 26-35 years. Can I eat expired food? Experts say it's important to see if there's a change in the quality of the food. The resulting nutritional value may be higher than canned food that has reached its expiration date, but the change won't be major in safety. Looking at foods with relatively short shelf lives, such as pasteurized milk, there is a risk of bacteria growing after they expire.
Because of the low price, not many people buy temporary food. What should I pay attention to when choosing it? How to save it after purchase?
First, avoid motivational costs. Expired food prices are indeed tempting, and can be purchased in large quantities, but when the purchased food exceeds its shelf life and cannot be eaten, it becomes garbage again. When making a purchase, you should consider the amount you are buying, see if you can complete it and how long it will take you to complete.
Second, pay attention to food safety issues and try to buy from a regular shopping center or supermarket. Eat it as soon as possible after purchase, if you can't finish it, you should put it in the refrigerator and use the low temperature method to extend the shelf life as much as possible.
Third, pay attention to the condition of the food when eating, then make sure the food is edible and also identify whether the food is expired or expired.
In general, expired food is safe and edible, everyone should buy and eat expired food scientifically.