Expiration date and food preservation: what should we take into account?

• 'REALFOODING'.The thymus of labels on food

The coronavirus has turned an act as daily as going to the purchase into a delicate mission in which efficacy and health must be prioritized more than ever. We should try to leave the house as little as possible and, therefore, make the most of each of our visits to the supermarket .

Planning is more important than ever. Obviously, the number of people living in a home is the first factor that determines our list because the speed of consumption will not be the same.

Starting from this premise, and in these times marked by an obsessive accumulation of food, it is vital to be very aware of the correct preservation of fresh food and the expiration dates of packaging .

What do we have to take into account in the case of the former? Above all, that they are stored at the ideal temperature . Pathogenic microorganisms grow best at warm temperatures, while at low temperatures, growth slows and even stops.

The ideal temperatures for keeping food cold are:

* In the freezer, below -18 ºC.

* In the fridge, meat and fish should be kept between 1 and 4 ºC and the rest between 5 and 8 ºC.

How should we keep food in the fridge?

The first thing that we should take into account is that, in general, the coldest area of ​​the refrigerator is the one that is in contact with the freezer.

When we come from the purchase we must follow the cold chain and store frozen food first.

Fresh foods, such as meat and fish, should be in the coldest area of ​​the refrigerator, and fruits and vegetables should be in the least.

It is advisable to try not to pile the food so that it 'breathes' and we can monitor if there is something in bad condition and to be able to throw it away.

Regarding cooked food, it does not need to be cooled outside the refrigerator, simply by stopping burning and it can be stored in the refrigerator, only in this way we will avoid spoiling it.

DATE OF EXPIRY

The expiration date implies that, once the day, month or year printed on the product is exceeded, it could cause damage to our health . If it has been reached, therefore, this product should not be ingested.

It is used in fresh, cold or perishable food.

Once opened, it is essential to follow the advice indicated on the package, such as "consume three days after being opened" or "freeze it to extend its shelf life".

On the other hand, the preferred consumption date indicates that the product no longer offers, from that moment, the full quality it should. It may have lost some of its qualities or not be entirely satisfactory.

This means that its organoleptic characteristics (smell, taste, ...) can be altered . The label shows the legend "consume preferably before ..." followed by the date with day and month, month and year or only year.

It is used in a wide variety of frozen, dry, canned and canned products.

The preferred consumption date will only be valid if we keep the product according to the directions on the packaging (for example, in a cold and dry environment). Once opened, the product must be treated as fresh and follow the advice of "consume within three days of being opened".

Using the senses (sight, smell, and taste) is also very helpful in evaluating whether a product past the preferred consumer date is still safe. Mold, unpleasant odor, or bad taste are signs that something is no longer right.

For example, in the case of eggs to know if they are in bad condition, they can be put in a bowl with water and, if they are submerged they are fine; if they float it is bad and we must throw them away.

Bulging or damaged cans or cans should be avoided , as well as frozen products in which the cold chain has been broken.

Also foods in which abnormal odors, flavors or colors are detected.

The following products are excluded from the obligation to mention a deadline , either expiration or preferential consumption:

1. Fresh fruits and vegetables, including potatoes that have not been peeled or subjected to any treatment.

2. Wines, vinegars and other alcoholic beverages made from grapes or grape must.

3. Drinks with a graduation higher than 10º.

4. Refreshing drinks, fruit juices and nectars in containers of more than 5 liters destined for communities.

5. Bakery or confectionery products that by their nature are normally consumed within 24 hours.

6. Cooking salt and sugar.

7. Vinegar

8. Honey

9. Chewing gum and similar products

FOODS THAT MAY BE CONSUMED BEYOND THE EXPIRY DATE

Yogurt: They no longer expire after 28 days. After the changes presented by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Environment, yogurt currently has a preferred consumption date , although manufacturers consider it necessary to maintain the expiration date, which can be extended from 28 to 35 days.

How long can we be sure it is in good condition? Yogurt is made from fresh pasteurized milk that, after going through a fermentation process , becomes an acidic product. The temperature-acidity combination hinders the growth of microorganisms harmful to health.

It is important to keep in mind that in this case it will be essential to respect the conservation conditions (not to break the cold chain at any point in the process) and follow the recommendations for use.

Without an established expiration date, it's up to the consumer whether to take it. In this case, we must take into account these aspects: it is not deformed; do not have a strong odor; it does not have an abnormal color or appearance or has a very acidic taste.

Before eating a yogurt, it must be ensured that it has been stored at about 5ºC or, according to the manufacturer's instructions, that the container is tightly closed and, at the time of purchase, purchase those that are intended to be consumed in the indicated period.

Chocolate: It is another food that can last a long time. It is normal for a white layer to begin to appear on it when it is in contact with air. It is not mold, but crystallized fat that melts and surfaces on the surface.

Eggs: Eggs can last between three and five weeks, keeping them at a temperature below 5ºC in the refrigerator, since this prevents the appearance of salmonella.

Milk: It can last a long time if refrigerated at a temperature close to 2ºC. If used at room temperature, microorganisms can damage it if the container is opened.

Moral? We can buy food that will last us longer and that will allow us not to leave the house more than is strictly necessary and, to a lesser extent, other perishables that we must consume first or cook and freeze them later to prevent them from going bad. been and having to throw them away.

María Amaro is an expert in Nutrition and author of the Amaro Method.

According to the criteria of The Trust Project

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