Even if the food looks fine and is still within the expiry date, it can still be a serious health risk.
Here are some common foods you should throw out immediately, regardless of what the packaging says.
Smoked and cured fish
Vacuum-packed smoked salmon and cured trout are especially vulnerable to the listeria bacteria – and you won’t be able to see, smell or taste if it's contaminated.
Listeria can cause serious illness, especially in pregnant women, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. I
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f the expiry date has passed, toss it. And once the package is open, eat it right away.
Bread with mold
Even the smallest mold spots on bread mean the entire loaf should go in the trash.
Mold spreads invisibly through the bread, and the toxins won’t disappear just because you cut off the affected part. If it smells or tastes off, don’t risk it, just throw it away.
Soft or moldy berries
Strawberries, raspberries and blueberries go bad quickly, and mold spreads easily between the berries.
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If you see even one moldy berry in the container, toss anything that was packed tightly around it.
Berries that feel sticky, soft or have a yeasty, sweet smell are also no longer safe to eat.
Ground meat with strange smell or slime
Ground meat has a large surface area, making it particularly prone to bacterial growth. If it smells sour or metallic or feels slimy, it needs to go straight in the bin.
Even if it smells fine, never eat raw ground mea, it must be fully cooked to avoid bacteria like E. coli and salmonella.
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Raw fish with bad odor or discoloration
Fish like mackerel, herring and tuna can develop histamine if stored incorrectly, a substance that can cause allergy-like reactions and stomach problems.
If the fish smells strong, looks slimy or has changed color or texture, don’t eat it, no matter what the label says.
Dairy products with mold
Yogurt, crème fraîche and cream cheese are high in moisture – a perfect environment for mold. Even a tiny mold spot can mean the whole container is contaminated.
If it smells sour or off, or you see any mold, throw it out completely and wash any utensils that came into contact with it.
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Cut fruit with brown or slimy spots
Cut fruit that’s become brown, mushy or slimy shouldn’t be eaten. This is especially true for melons, apples and pineapples.
Even if it’s within the date, improper storage can let bacteria grow. If it looks or feels off, it’s safer to throw it away.
Cooked rice left out too long
Rice that has sat out too long at room temperature can develop Bacillus cereus – a bacteria that causes food poisoning and isn't killed by reheating.
If your rice has been out for more than a couple of hours, it’s best to toss it, even if it smells fine.
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Garlic with green sprouts or mold
Garlic that has started to sprout or shows signs of mold should be thrown away. The green shoot is often bitter and a sign the garlic is past its prime.
If the garlic is soft, discolored or moldy, it's no longer safe. Trust your senses and don’t take chances.
Eggs with strange smell or watery whites
Eggs often last beyond the stamped date, but you should always check before using them.
If the egg smells like sulfur or rancid when cracked open, or the whites are extremely runny, it’s best to discard it. The float test can help, if it floats in water, it’s too old.
This article is based on information from Allas.se og Dagens.no.