David C. Smalley, a fact-checker, comedian, and host of The David C. Smalley Podcast, dives into the peculiar world of expiration dates. He discusses how these dates, often dictated by marketing rather than safety, lead to significant food waste. Smalley clarifies the differences between 'sell by,' 'buy by,' and 'use before' labels, challenging the listener's perceptions of food safety. He shares shocking insights about how ignoring these dates can sometimes be harmless, especially with dairy products, while advocating for standardized labeling for consumer clarity.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Miracle Whip Incident
David C. Smalley got food poisoning from expired Miracle Whip.
This highlights potential risks, even though most dates relate to freshness.
insights INSIGHT
Expiration Dates: Mostly Unregulated
Expiration dates are not federally regulated, except for baby formula.
Most consumers mistakenly believe they are food safety dates.
insights INSIGHT
Milk Expiration: State vs. Science
Only some states regulate milk labeling, and those regulations vary widely.
Scientists say milk is good for longer than typical labels suggest, especially unopened.
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How concerned should you be about expiration dates stamped on items you buy from the grocery store?
Welcome to Skeptical Sunday, a special edition of The Jordan Harbinger Show where Jordan and fact-checker, comedian, and podcast host David C. Smalley break down a topic that you may have never thought about, open things up, and debunk common misconceptions.
What really determines the expiration date that gets stamped on an item from the grocery store?
Is there a difference between "sell by," "buy by," and "use before" expiration warnings?
What federal regulations dictate expiration dates for the protection of the consumer?
How dangerous is it to ignore an expiration date on something like a gallon of milk, and what variables might change this?
Why most cases of food poisoning have very little to do with the lackadaisical observance of expiration dates, and how you should really be gauging if something is still fit for consumption.
And much more!
Connect with Jordan on Twitter, on Instagram, and on YouTube. If you have something you'd like us to tackle here on Skeptical Sunday, drop Jordan a line at jordan@jordanharbinger.com and let him know!
The Jordan Harbinger Show