Is eating expired food bad for you?

Eating expired food can be harmful to your health, as it may contain harmful bacteria or toxins that can cause foodborne illnesses. The severity of the illness can range from mild to severe, depending on the type of bacteria or toxin involved.

Some common types of foodborne illnesses include:

* Salmonella: This bacterium can cause symptoms such as fever, diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

* E. coli: This bacterium can cause symptoms such as bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever.

* Listeria: This bacterium can cause symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, nausea, and vomiting.

* Botulism: This toxin can cause symptoms such as blurred vision, difficulty speaking or swallowing, and muscle weakness.

In some cases, foodborne illnesses can even be fatal.

It is important to note that not all expired food is necessarily harmful. Some foods, such as canned goods, can still be safe to eat even after the expiration date has passed. However, it is always best to err on the side of caution and discard any food that has passed its expiration date.

If you are unsure whether a food is still safe to eat, you can contact your local health department for guidance.