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 HAVE NEVER USED IT AND IT DOES NOT LOOK OR SMELL LIKE IT WAS EVER OPENED IS THIS OK TO STILL USE?? i KNOW IT HAS OIL IN IT NOT SURE WHAT KIND BUT THE MADE FROM SCRACH IS MADE WITH OLIVE OIL
Answer Hi Babs,
You are telling me that the tahini has an "best if used by " date of July 23, 2000 -- correct? Very few foods have actual expiration dates (baby food is one example) and most utilize a "best if used by" date if a date appears on the food.
A "best if used by " date is a quality date determined by the manufacturer to indicate that after that date flavor, texture and/or color changes may occur. The food may be still safe to consume -- just not as good as a younger product.
If the product container looks like a fresh product it should be safe to consume, though it will probably not be as high of quality as a newer product.
Personally, food that is 7 years old is not worth the chances of getting ill. There's an old saying...when in doubt, throw it out and perhaps it would be a wise decision to not chance a food 7 years out of it's quality dating. It's all up to you!
