would you still eat this?

[mckenzie]

I have a jar of wholegrain mustard in the cupboard with a best before date of 9/08. It is unopened, the seal is intact. Can I still use it do you think (in a casserole?)

No, I wouldn't.

I think it's be edible, but it will probably have lost much of its flavour.

I would :) assuming the lid isn't bulging or raised at all

I definitely would, what is going to go off?
Is it best before or use by?

As in 2008? lol! redhappy what's the difference if it's over two years out of date?

But yes, if it smelt OK I'd probably use it, if it hadn't been opened. It's mainly vinegar & so will keep.

If it is August 09 and Best Before yes, if Use by, No. If it is September 08 and Best Before probably not.

Because use by means it wont be good for you to eat after that date. Best before doesn't, it's generally safe to eat for a long time after, but it might look a less attractive colour, or lose its smell etc, so the manufacturers put that date because we put a premium on perfection :)

best before Sept 08 it says. I think perhaps I'll decide then when i open it. It's only to go in a casserole - once I've opened it I probably wouldn't keep it. Just use it for that recipe. As you can tell by the date on it, it's not something that gets used very often in this house

I'm normally picky with dates but not with something like mustard - as long as it's intact and doesn't look/smell funny I would definitely use it.

it would be prone to food spoilage organisms rather than food poisoning organisms, so it may taste odd but it won't harm you

thanks guys

I think I'll risk it. I've thrown away so much food these last few weeks and my new resolution is to stop all that. I'd like to start as I mean to go on. If it stinks or looks weird when i open it though then i'll have a re think.

nope I would not. Don't risk it!