Expiration Dates

(Berkeley Wellness)

Our toothpaste just “expired.” What do you do—resuscitate it or toss it? Many products carry expiration dates, but it’s hard to know what they mean.

Expiration dates are not an exact science. They are not uniformly regulated—and not all states even require them. How long a product remains good also depends on how it’s been stored and handled. Still, it’s a good idea to select products with the latest dates.

Food: In general, buy foods before their “sell-by” dates, and observe “use-by” dates. Foods past their dates are often still safe, however, if they’ve been stored and handled properly (refrigerate perishables at 40° F or below). Milk can stay fresh up to a week after its sell-by date; eggs can last three to five weeks. Of course, if a food looks or smells bad, throw it out, no matter what the date.

Drugs: Expiration dates guarantee that drugs are potent and safe. They do not mean that they are not effective or safe afterward, though. In many cases, medications are stable far past their expiration dates. Drugs do begin to break down after you open the bottle and if they are exposed to heat, humidity, light, and temperature fluctuations—so store them in a cool, dry, dark place. If in doubt, consult a pharmacist.

Sunscreens: Most sunscreens have a three- to five-year shelf-life from time of manufacture and carry either an expiration date or a coded manufacture date that is harder to decipher. Heat and humidity can reduce the potency of sunscreens, so you should store them in a cool, dry place. If used properly—you need to apply a lot, frequently—you’re unlikely to have any left over, so expiration dates would not be a concern.

Toothpaste: Toothpaste is generally good for 12 to 18 months past its expiration date (which is two years after manufacture). Beyond that, there may be some loss in fluoride stability, ingredients may separate out or crystallize, and flavors may diminish. Toothpaste past its expiration date will not harm you.

What not to use past the expiration date

Certain drugs: Insulin, nitroglycerin, EpiPens (for severe allergic reactions), and liquid antibiotics degrade relatively quickly. There’s no good evidence these drugs become harmful after their expiration dates, but you need to be able to count on getting their full potency. Toss any other expired drugs that are essential for your health, and any that are discolored, develop a strong smell, or have turned powdery. In general, liquid medications and those that require refrigeration are less stable.

Condoms: Condoms have either an expiration date, after which they should not be used, or a manufacture date, after which they are good for up to five years. Outdated condoms are more likely to break. Store condoms in a cool, dry place. Do not use them if they are sticky or dry or if the wrapper is damaged.

Infant formulas and baby food: Buy and use before their “use-by” dates, after which nutrient levels and quality decline.

My motto is "when in doubt throw it out".