Do you toss food once the date on the label has passed? Experts say that's often a waste

Experts warn that discarding food solely based on expiration dates is often unnecessary, as these labels typically indicate quality rather than safety. California has introduced a law simplifying date labels to two categories, while over 50 different labels exist in the U.S., causing confusion. Food scientists emphasize that many products remain safe to consume past labeled dates, with storage methods and product type affecting shelf life.