Soft cheeses such as cream cheese, cottage cheese, and ricotta typically last about one week in the refrigerator after the sell-by date.
“Anything with a high moisture content allows bacteria and mold to spread easily throughout the food,” says Maples. “So, throw away anything with visible spoilage.”
Milk, Half-and-Half, and Whipping Cream
“Milk products have a protein content that’s an excellent growing medium for bacteria,” says Katherine Zeratsky, R.D.N., clinical dietitian at Mayo Clinic.
If they develop a sour smell, an off color, or begin to curdle, discard them. These products typically last about one week after opening.
Raw milk, which has not been pasteurized to destroy harmful bacteria such as Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria, and Campylobacter, is not considered safe to drink.
Eggs
Federal regulations do not require eggs to carry either a sell-by or use-by date, although some states do.
Eggs actually have a shelf life of three to five weeks.
“Even if the sell-by date has passed, they’re still safe to eat if they’ve been refrigerated at 40°F (4°C) or below,” says Isabel Maples.
However, throw away any cracked eggs because they may be contaminated with Salmonella.
Baby Formula
“This is the most important item on the list,” says Schaffner.
Formula may be the sole source of nutrition for infants. Manufacturers guarantee its nutrient content only until the use-by date. Feeding expired formula may result in inadequate nutrition, so always discard formula after the use-by date.
Deli Meat
Unless you’re buying unopened, factory-sealed deli meat, sliced deli meats typically last only three to five days.
Don’t wait until they become slimy or develop an unpleasant odor. Deli meats can harbor Listeria, which grows even in refrigerator temperatures and can cause serious illness, particularly in pregnant women.
