Milk

When milk goes past its expiration date, it’s not just about a sour smell — it’s a real health risk. In 2024, the CDC reported an increase in foodborne illnesses linked to spoiled dairy, especially listeria and salmonella.

Even if it looks okay, milk can harbor dangerous bacteria that multiply rapidly after the “sell by” date. Some people try to use sour milk in baking, but that’s risky: heat may not kill all the harmful pathogens.

According to a 2023 FDA survey, almost 1 in 4 people admitted to drinking milk several days past its date, unaware of the potential dangers. The creamy texture and white color can be deceiving, hiding a toxic mix of microbes.

Bagged Salads

Bagged salads might look crisp, but they’re notorious for hiding invisible threats once expired. In 2024, multiple outbreaks of E.

coli and listeria were traced back to pre-washed greens. Research from the University of Georgia found that bacteria thrive in the damp, oxygen-poor environment of bagged salads, sometimes even before the “best by” date.

Many consumers mistakenly believe a quick rinse will make old greens safe, yet pathogens can cling tightly to leaves. The FDA warns that slimy or discolored lettuce is a clear sign of spoilage, and even a little off-odor means it should go straight to the trash.

Ground Meat

Ground meat is especially risky after its expiration date because bacteria multiply faster in minced products than whole cuts. The USDA reported in 2025 that most E.

coli outbreaks linked to beef were caused by ground meat stored past its prime. Even freezing doesn’t always stop bacteria, especially if the meat was already expired before freezing.

Many people think cooking expired meat kills all germs, but toxins released by bacteria can survive heat. Visual cues like brown color or a slightly sour smell don’t always show up until the danger is present, making ground meat a silent risk in kitchens.

Soft Cheeses

Soft cheeses like brie and feta are magnets for bacteria and mold once they’re past their date. In 2023, the CDC highlighted a spike in listeria cases from expired soft cheeses, particularly among pregnant women and older adults.

The high moisture content creates a perfect breeding ground for dangerous microbes. Even if you cut off moldy spots, mycotoxins can spread invisibly throughout the cheese.

Many people ignore expiration dates because the cheese “looks fine,” but the risks are real and sometimes deadly, especially for those with weakened immune systems.

Deli Meats

Deli meats don’t just lose their flavor after expiration — they become a playground for listeria, which can grow even in the fridge. Recent recalls in 2024 involved deli meats linked to serious illness in multiple states, according to the FDA.

The problem is that listeria thrives in cool environments and can’t be detected by smell or appearance. Many people are tempted to make sandwiches with slightly old cold cuts, not realizing that even a small taste of expired deli meat can lead to hospitalization.

“It’s just a day or two old” is a common excuse, but food safety experts say it’s not worth the risk.

Eggs

Eggs seem to last forever, but expired eggs can cause salmonella, which remains a top foodborne illness in the US as reported by the CDC in 2024. The float test — placing eggs in water to see if they sink — is not foolproof, as bacteria can be present even before eggs start to float.

Cracked or slimy shells are red flags, but many people still use them, especially in recipes where eggs are mixed in. According to a 2023 food safety survey, 30% of people admitted to using eggs up to two weeks past the date.

The risk is higher for children, pregnant women, and seniors, who can suffer severe complications from contaminated eggs.

Fish

Expired fish is a leading cause of scombroid poisoning, which results from bacteria that produce toxins not destroyed by cooking. In 2023, the FDA issued warnings after dozens were hospitalized from eating old tuna and mackerel.

Spoiled fish often smells bad, but some toxic compounds are odorless, making it easy to miss the danger. Sushi lovers are especially at risk if they use fish that’s even slightly past its prime.

“If in doubt, throw it out” is the advice from food safety experts, yet many ignore this, thinking a quick rinse or extra lemon juice is enough to make fish safe again.

Cooked Rice

Cooked rice is a surprising danger zone for food poisoning, especially from Bacillus cereus, a bacterium that can survive reheating. In 2024, the CDC reported a rise in outbreaks tied to leftover rice kept more than a day or two.

Many people assume rice is safe as long as it’s reheated thoroughly, but the toxins can survive high temperatures. Storing rice at room temperature speeds up bacterial growth, and symptoms of illness can include vomiting and diarrhea within hours.

Despite these risks, leftover rice dishes remain a staple in many households, often well past their safe window.

Mayonnaise

Mayonnaise, especially once opened, is a breeding ground for bacteria like salmonella if it’s kept past its expiration date. In 2023, the FDA investigated several cases of food poisoning traced back to expired mayo used in sandwiches and salads.

The combination of eggs and oil in mayo can turn dangerous quickly, especially if stored at room temperature or exposed to warm conditions. Many people scrape the last bit out of the jar, ignoring the “use by” date, but food experts warn that the risk of stomach upset or worse isn’t worth it.

Signs like separation or a sour smell mean it’s time to toss it, no matter how little is left.

Canned Foods (With Bulges or Dents)

Canned foods are famous for their long shelf life, but once the can is bulging or dented, all bets are off. According to the CDC, botulism cases in 2024 were mostly linked to damaged canned goods.

Even if the food inside looks normal, the bacteria can produce deadly toxins that aren’t destroyed by cooking. Many people think small dents are harmless, but if a can is leaking or swollen, it’s a clear signal of contamination.

Ignoring these warnings has led to severe illness and even death in rare cases, making it one of the most dangerous expired foods people still risk eating.