Meat: Ground beef, steak, and chicken can still be safe to eat after the use-by date, but check for signs of spoilage like odor, discoloration, and mold.
Eggs: Perform a float test to check egg freshness; sink indicates freshness, standing up means older but still okay, and floating suggests old eggs that should be discarded.
Soft Cheeses: Mold on soft cheeses can penetrate beyond what's visible, potentially harboring harmful bacteria like listeria, so it's best to discard them entirely.
Deli Meat: Spoilage in moist, low-salt foods like deli meats can lead to bacteria growth, so if they smell sour or look slimy, it's time to throw them out.
Fiddleheads: These ferns can emit toxins past their expiration dates, making them unsafe to eat if spoiled.
Strawberries: Moldy strawberries should be discarded as mold spores can contaminate the entire package, potentially causing illness or allergic reactions.
Ground Spices: Spices lose flavor past their prime, so store them properly in airtight containers away from heat and sunlight.
Restaurant Leftovers: Leftovers from restaurants can harbor bacteria growth, so consume them within three to four days to avoid potential foodborne illness.
Raw Fish: Check raw fish for freshness by ensuring it's stored on ice and doesn't smell sour, fishy, or ammonia-like.
Leafy Greens: Expired leafy greens like spinach and kale may taste bitter and pose a risk of foodborne illness, so discard them if past their expiration date.