AboutCarol Schlitt Expertise I can answer questions on home food safety, sanitation, home food preservation and commercial food safety (HACCP).
Experience I am an Extension educator, nutrition, wellness and food safety. I am a certified HACCP manager and a food safety instructor for the Illinois Department of Public Health.
Organizations International Association for Food Protection, American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (Certified CFCS), National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, Society for Nutrition Education.
Education/Credentials BS - University of Illinois
MS - Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville
Question I used some canned organic pumpkin in a muffins recipe (they are baking 45 minutes @350 degrees). The pumpkin smelled and looked fine. The can said "best if used before 09/06." it's now 07/07. What do you think?
Answer Hi Maha,
The "best if used by" date is a quality issue -- not a safety issue. If the can the pumpkin came looked fine -- not leakage, dents, etc... the pumpkin is fine to use. You may notice that the color is darker than fresher canned pumpkin and the flavor may not be as intense, but safety wise it's okay to use.
