Why is it important to monitor food expiration dates?

Monitoring food expiration dates is critical primarily to ensure that food is consumed before it becomes unsafe. Expiration dates indicate the period during which a food product is expected to remain safe to eat and maintain its intended quality. Consuming food past its expiration date can lead to foodborne illnesses, as harmful bacteria may proliferate, or the product may degrade and cause health issues.

While other factors, such as reducing food waste and satisfying customer preferences, are important aspects of food management practices, they do not directly address the fundamental health risks associated with consuming expired food. Monitoring expiration dates is, therefore, a crucial component of food safety, ensuring that consumers are protected from the potential dangers of spoiled or harmful food products.