Guide

Yes, you can eat food after a best-before date when the food still looks, smells, and tastes normal, but never after a use-by date.

Yes, food a fly landed on is usually safe if dry and intact; toss moist or cut items since flies can transfer germs.

Yes, you can eat canned food past the best-by date if the can is intact and the food smells and looks normal; best-by is about quality, not safety.

No, not if the can is damaged; intact canned food past a “best by” date is usually safe but may lose quality.

No, eating food dropped on the floor isn’t safe; contamination happens fast, and risk varies by food type, time, and surface.

Yes, many foods remain safe past the best-by date if they were stored well and show no spoilage.

No, eating food off the floor risks contamination; risk depends on time, surface, and moisture—best to discard or wash items that can be rinsed.

Yes, you can eat food on its use-by date if stored as directed; finish it by midnight or cook/freeze it, and never eat it after the date.

No, food a roach was on should be discarded because cockroaches can carry germs that cause illness; sealed packaging and hot reheating are safer.

No, eating food your dog licked isn’t safe; discard soft or wet items and trim hard, dry parts only after brief contact if you’re healthy.