Eating expired food can have bad consequences or no consequences, but its not recommended to eat expired food on a regular basis. Here are some possible side effects of eating expired food:
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Food poisoning: Consuming expired foods that are contaminated or spoiled can cause food poisoning, which can result in symptoms such as vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, stomach cramps, chills, and fever.
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Exposure to bacteria: Some expired foods can expose you to dangerous bacteria or toxins that can make you ill. Molds, bacteria, and yeast can cause food to go bad and create stomach issues just as those experienced with food poisoning. But they can also cause other issues such as confusion, a stiff neck, muscle aches, and even loss of balance.
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Life-threatening situations: Some bacterial toxins found in expired food can be life-threatening. Eating contaminated food also poses the risk of exposure to bacterial toxins, which damage the kidneys, possibly leading to a life-threatening situation.
Its always best to err on the side of caution and check the FDAs food safety guidelines when consuming expired foods, as the dates can be confusing. While non-perishable foods can be kept and consumed past the expiration date with only taste, quality, and nutrition compromised, perishable foods such as meat, eggs, fruits, and vegetables are more likely to make you sick. If you spot something funky, throwing it out would be the best option.