What happens to your body if you eat out-of-date food

Emma Clarke
·Contributor
Updated ·4-min read
Eating out-of-date food isn't advised and can make you feel very unwell. (Getty Images)
Eating out-of-date food isn't advised and can make you feel very unwell. (Getty Images)

Tesco has issued an urgent warning to customers after a packaging error involving its popular Japanese-inspired chicken Tsukune skewers led to the incorrect use-by date being printed on the labels.

The specific products affected were the 280g eight-pack of meatballs, with the batch number 241025. Instead of using the date 10/12/2024, the incorrect date of 23/12/2024 was printed on them. Full refunds are available to customers affected and no receipt is required.

Similarly, Waitrose has recalled its Chinese takeaway bag for two due to undeclared molluscs, which may prompt an adverse reaction in some consumers.

Although largely uncommon, product recalls happen from time and time – and can encompass anything from food and electrical items to toys. With food, some of the most common issues raised include incorrect packaging, undeclared allergens present and contamination.

All product recalls should be taken seriously, but in the case of food recalls, it is vital customers do not eat the compromised product. Aside from recalled goods, we should also be mindful of consuming out-of-date food.

Here, we take a look at the potential health risks of eating out-of-date foods, how to cope with symptoms – and how to minimise the risk in the first place.

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Poultry can also be very dangerous if out-of-date. (Getty Images)

While 'best-before' indicates how long foods will last before they lose their quality, 'use-by' dates tell you when the item must be consumed by.

Generally speaking, you can eat foods after their best-before date, but you should avoid consuming products past their use-by date, as this may trigger illness and adverse reactions.

Dr Hana Patel, a GP and health specialist working with Superdrug Online Doctor, tells Yahoo UK that perishable items, such as poultry, are particularly prone to bacterial growth when not handled correctly, which can lead to serious foodborne illnesses.

"Understanding the potential symptoms, their underlying causes, and how to respond is crucial for protecting your health," she says.

Some of the most common side-effects of eating gone-off food include:

One of the most common outcomes of consuming contaminated or expired food is gastrointestinal distress.

Dr Patel says: "Symptoms such as nausea and vomiting often occur within hours of ingestion, particularly if the food contains toxins produced by bacteria like staphylococcus aureus. While these symptoms can be unpleasant, they typically resolve within a day or two."

Stomach ache, cramps and hands of woman with abdomen pain due to constipation, menstruation or ibs issue. Sick, home and person suffering and holding belly in a house lounge, couch and living room
In some cases, stomach cramps and diarrhoea can be caused. (Getty Images)

More severe issues can arise, including diarrhoea and abdominal cramps.

"Diarrhoea, which can range from mild to severe, is frequently caused by bacteria such as salmonella or campylobacter – both of which are commonly linked to poultry," says Dr Patel. "In some cases, diarrhea can lead to dehydration, especially in vulnerable populations like children, the elderly, or those with compromised immune systems."

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You may also experience a fever if you've eaten gone-off food. (Getty Images)

"Fever is another symptom to watch for," Dr Patel warns, "as it may indicate that bacteria like listeria or salmonella have spread beyond the gut into the bloodstream, causing a systemic infection."

"To minimise the risk of foodborne illness, always store perishable items in a fridge set below 5°C, and avoid cross-contamination by keeping raw meat separate from other foods," Dr Patel explains. "If you suspect that you’ve consumed contaminated food and experience severe or persistent symptoms, such as high fever, prolonged diarrhoea, or signs of dehydration, seek medical advice promptly.

"Simple measures, such as staying hydrated and taking over-the-counter medications like antidiarrheals, can alleviate mild symptoms, but professional evaluation is essential for more severe cases."

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