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No, food with a use-by date shouldn’t be eaten after that date; it’s a safety cut-off even if it looks or smells fine.

Yes, eating food after the expiration date is often safe for “best if used by” items; avoid spoiled foods and never use infant formula past “use by.”

Yes, if contact was brief on a firm, dry surface, food is usually fine after removing the exposed spot; toss soft, wet, or ready-to-eat items.

No—eating food with ants on it risks contamination; discard moist or ready-to-eat items and clean surfaces before preparing fresh food.

Yes, you can sometimes eat food a fly was on, but risk depends on time, moisture, and whether the fly contacted edible surfaces.

No, food with flies on it is risky; throw out moist or perishable items, but a brief landing on firm dry foods may be safe after removing the contact area.

No, chinese food left out overnight is unsafe; discard perishable dishes kept over 2 hours at room temperature (1 hour above 90°F).