These 4 things can go bad even before the expiration date, check to avoid harming yourself

GĐXH - In our lives, there are 4 things that can "break down" silently even before their expiration date.

When we buy something, the first thing we check is the expiry date. But do you think some things are safe within their expiry date?

In our lives, there are 4 things that can "break down" silently even before their expiration date.

Yet we continue to eat or use it without knowing it, and as a result we harm ourselves without even knowing it.

You can also check these foods in your home today. If they show any unusual signs, you should not eat them, if you do not want to harm yourself and your family.

1. Water tank

As living standards improved, large water tanks became popular in many households and offices because of their convenience and economy.

Many families choose to use large water tanks as a daily source of drinking water, especially in agencies and units, making large water tanks a more popular choice.

But for some families with low water usage, sometimes a barrel of water can last for several months. However, the expiration date on the water bottle is often stated as 180 days, but it is recommended not to drink it close to the expiration date. Actually, this has a basis.

If the container is opened, you should drink it all soon. Illustration photo

After the relevant departments conduct bacterial tests on the water, the number of bacterial colonies (a colony of a type of bacteria is defined as a cluster, visible to the naked eye, of the biomass of that bacteria when they grow on the surface of a solid substrate - BTV) in the opened bottled water will be measured daily. On the 8th day, the value reached 92.

In the drinking water hygiene standards prescribed in China, it is stipulated that the total number of colonies must not exceed 100.

The 180-day shelf life applies only to unopened containers of water. Once opened, water will be exposed to air, oxidized, and microbial growth.

An increase in the number of colonies also means that the water is no longer usable, so if the container has been opened, you should drink it quickly.

Do not drink bottled water close to its expiration date.

Purified water has an unlimited shelf life, but bottled purified water usually has an expiry date printed clearly on the packaging by the manufacturer to warn users. Because:

Plastic water bottles have an expiration date. And if used for too long, some chemicals can seep into the water. In particular, BPA plastic contains many harmful risks that affect health. Even diseases such as cancer, but too few people care about it.

If bottled water is consumed regularly, these plastic compounds can slowly accumulate in the body, potentially harming gut health, reducing immunity and reducing respiratory function.

Therefore, experts recommend that you should not drink bottled water close to its expiration date.

2. Cooking oil

We all know that the shelf life of cooking oil bought from the supermarket is basically around 18 months, but this shelf life only applies when the oil is unopened.

When we buy oil, we always buy large barrels, thinking that no matter how much we consume, we can use it all within 18 months! This idea is completely wrong.

The 18 month shelf life applies only to unopened products. Once opened, the 18 month shelf life will no longer apply. Once opened, cooking oil will be exposed to oxygen in the air and will become rancid.

If you leave cooking oil next to the stove, it will be exposed to high temperatures, the rate of oxidation and rancidity will occur faster. Soon, it will smell rancid.

When cooking, smoke is easy to appear and is very suffocating. Not only that, oxidized and rancid cooking oil also produces peroxide, aldehyde, ketone and many other substances harmful to the body after heating.

Image of damaged cooking oil bottle. Illustration photo

Continued use will increase the risk of disease. Therefore, we should store cooking oil in a cool, dry place and avoid high temperatures.

Also, reduce the number of times and duration of opening the bottle to reduce the possibility of air getting in. Therefore, it is recommended to use up opened cooking oil within 3 months. If you really can't finish it, it is better to buy a small container.

3. Carbonated drinks

While the shelf life of each beverage varies greatly, the one thing they have in common is that their shelf life is significantly reduced once opened.

In fact, this principle is the same as for water and oil tanks, that is, they will become contaminated with microorganisms after being exposed to air.

Even if you don't finish it, it will only last for 3 days if you keep it tightly closed and refrigerated. Some highly acidic drinks like apple juice and orange juice can only be kept in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days after opening.

There are also some low-acid drinks that have a shorter shelf life. For health and safety reasons, you should drink these drinks within 24 hours of opening.

4. Rice - shelf life depends a lot on storage

Most of the rice we buy today is vacuum packed. If unopened, the shelf life of vacuum packed rice is about 1 to 2 years. If the rice is stored properly after opening, the shelf life of the rice can be extended to about 1 year.

But many people misunderstand. They often hoard food because they think that food can be easily preserved for many years without spoiling. But in reality, that is not the case.

The shelf life of rice depends largely on the packaging method and storage conditions. Rice that is left for too long can be damaged by external factors, the color can become darker, and even moldy and sour.

The shelf life of rice depends largely on the packaging method and storage conditions. Illustration photo

Moldy rice will have small yellow and black spots. Even if it is not expired, it should not be eaten. It is known that mold is harmful to our body and high temperature cannot eliminate it.

Therefore, even if you think rice is easy to store, the shelf life of rice will be shortened after opening, so don't stock up too much.

Note: Expiry date is for reference only and is definitely not a guarantee! In life, some inadvertent details often determine our health.

The above 4 types of drinks and foods in your home need to be checked regularly. Don't take risks and solve any problems promptly. Protect your family's health from the little things in daily life!

Source: https://giadinh.suckhoedoisong.vn/4-thu-nay-co-the-bi-hong-ngay-ca-truoc-ngay-het-han-hay-kiem-tra-de-tranh-lam-hai-minh-172250328082726965.htm