Food Smells Fine: Can That Override a Use-By Date?
Bloating & DigestionArticleCheck the safety date and storage instructions rather than relying on a normal smell.
In this article
Food Standards Scotland1 says food should not be eaten past its use-by date, even if it looks and smells fine. Harmful bugs can be present without an unusual smell. A sniff test cannot settle that safety decision.1
Read the date wording first
In UK food labelling, a use-by date concerns safety; a best-before date concerns quality. Check which wording your own packet uses. This article addresses food carrying a use-by date.1
Check storage instructions too
Food Standards Scotland1 says to follow the storage instructions on the label to keep food safe. A date printed on the packet does not replace those instructions.1
If you cannot tell what the date says or how the food has been stored, ask the retailer or your local food-safety service for guidance. A normal smell is not a reason to override a use-by date.
Bloated by Dinner includes a visit script. Use it to organize food-related concerns you want to discuss with your clinician. See the book.
This article is for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice. It isn't a substitute for diagnosis or treatment from a qualified healthcare professional who knows your health history. Please don't ignore professional advice or delay getting care because of something you read here. If you think you may be having a medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. Girl Playbook does not endorse any specific product, test, or provider.
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