Q:
My daughter has recently decided not to eat meat. I have started purchasing tofu, but we don't always use it by the expiration date on the package. The tofu is sealed in liquid. Is it safe for a little while after the date stamped on the package?
A:
Open dating
Here is some information about the dates that are on packages from the United States Department of Agriculture:
- Open dating is the use of a calendar date on food packages to help the store determine how long to display the product for sale.
- Open dates are not safety dates. They can also help the purchaser to know the time limit to purchase or use the product at its best quality.
- After the date passes, while it may not be of best quality, refrigerated products should still be safe if handled properly and kept at 40 °F (4.4 ºC) for a reasonable number of days to consume the food, (which is likely 3-4 days for tofu).
Soy product quality
Tofu, a soy-based product, should be handled like a perishable dairy product and should be safe for a week in the refrigerator. If not used during that time, it can be safely frozen. Drain the excess water and wrap well before freezing.
The package should also have contact information for the manufacturer, who can be contacted with further questions. Enjoy your tofu!
Want to learn more about this topic? Explore more resources from OSU Extension:
Home food safety and storage
