Out of date jars and dried foods

iceicebaby

Afternoon all

I have just gone through my food cupboard as there was lots of stuff just shoved in there and I couldnt see what I had.

Anyway, while going through it all and organising it again I came across a bag of rice, use by nov 2005 and a jar of madras curry sauce, use by feb 2006. Do you think these would be ok to use ?

Any thoughts please

tryingtobegood

If the rice was unopened I would be inclined to just use it . I normally buy a huge bag of rice and then put it in a plastic container. I have no idea whether I use it within the sell by period or not so even if your bag was opened I would probably still use it!
I'm not sure about the madras sauce though......

iceicebaby

Yeah I thought rice would probs be ok still not sure about the sauce tho!

Any advice anyone ?

tawnyowls

Should be no problem with the rice. Unlikely to be a problem with the sauce either - the date is a best before date, not a use by date. I'd open it, smell it, taste it, and if its seems OK, use it!

pol

Yes, to both. I'd eat the rice and the sauce, the dates are only a guideline anyway. If they smell ok, go ahead.

pol

iceicebaby

UPDATE

Made the curry with the sauce and had it with the rice!

No adverse effects as yet although I have stocked up on loo roll just in case!

lil_me

Here's hoping you are still saying no bad effects tomorrow.

CFC

Most out of date stuff is fine. It's whether you fancy it knowing that you are so slovenly stuff in your cupboards is OLD.

When I find it I have to say I chuck it out. I hate the waste but I can't take the shame of cooking it...

sarahlouise210

I would have been doubtful about the rice asthere could have been weavels in it ........I would have eaten the sauce though. I do this all the time - I regularly overshop (oh the shame) ..because of this I always have a stash of packets and jars - also stuff in my freezer goes out of date! I am still alive to tell the tale!

tawnyowls

sarahlouise210 wrote:

I would have been doubtful about the rice asthere could have been weavels in it

They're big enough to see. If you're really worried, stick the bag in the freezer.

Jet

It wasn't long ago that most jars, tins and packets didn't have sell by dates. Anything dried, tinned or in a jar was deemed to last forever.