Comments on: Sell-by dates past their sell-by date?

By: Andi R

Andi R — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 17:28:00 +0000

It’s funny – i was just talking about this to friends yesterday and we all agreed that our noses are the best tool. I think the SBDs make people lazy and many people have lost the ability (and the common sense) to judge for themselves. I wouldn’t take too many risks with meat but most other things I completely ignore the dates. Good for Hilary Benn!

By: Pinxit

Pinxit — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 18:27:00 +0000

Really helpful, thank you everyone who has posted on this subject. Especially the “drugs, meat and baby food” comment.

By: George Davidge

George Davidge — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 15:36:00 +0000

Whilst I do not want to catch any of those bothersome stomach problems from eating rotten food. I find it amazing that we lived for almost 2000 years before SBDs were invented. We get bottled water that we’re told has took a million years to work its way through all the rocks etc, but we gotta drink it by next tuesday or whatever.

By: Lucy

Lucy — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 14:40:00 +0000

When they started putting best before dates on rock salt (which has been around for several millenia), I lost all confidence in any dates on food. That was in 1990. I don’t waste food and am perfectly fit and healthy (probably helped by the fact that I don’t use unnecssary disinfecants in my home either)

By: Madelaine

Madelaine — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 13:29:00 +0000

In 2007, I found, in an elderly relative’s cupboard, some coffee labelled “Best before may 1976″. It was sealed. I used it. It was among the best coffee I have ever drunk. Another packet, which was almost(!) in date was open. It smelled dusty and I didn’t even think about using it. We need to use our discrimination. A friend, who is a public health inspector told me that the dates on drugs, meat and baby milk all need to be taken seriously. All others leave room for judgement.

By: VegBox Recipes

VegBox Recipes — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 12:21:00 +0000

That’s cool, Brenda, thanks! Fancy “heart-ing” me too, if you like the article (up the top under the title)? I’ll pop over to your site now – it’s been over a week since I took a peek.

By: The Green Familia

The Green Familia — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 13:40:00 +0000

Hi have chosen this as one of my top 3 ooffoo posts for this week. Thanks Brenda

By: Alyson

Alyson — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 19:49:00 +0000

I’ve been around since well before sell by dates were invented. They’re a useful tool but not to be followed slavishly. We have noses and taste buds – you can generally tell if food is off and wasting it unecessarily is a big sin in a hungry world!

By: VegBox Recipes

VegBox Recipes — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 12:13:00 +0000

And here’s another thought – how would you react if the Government suggested a return to rationing?!