{"id":17475,"date":"2025-04-03T12:20:56","date_gmt":"2025-04-03T16:20:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/food-health\/?p=17475"},"modified":"2025-04-03T12:23:39","modified_gmt":"2025-04-03T16:23:39","slug":"spring-kitchen-clean-out","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/food-health\/2025\/04\/03\/spring-kitchen-clean-out\/","title":{"rendered":"Spring Kitchen Clean Out"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u2014 By Kathy Savoie<\/a>, Extension Educator, University of Maine Cooperative Extension<\/em><\/p>\n

Spring is here at last! It\u2019s great to open the windows and let in the warm, fresh air of a new season. Sometimes the change in seasons even makes us want to clean out the house!<\/p>\n

Pantry Clean-Out Tips<\/h3>\n

When you spring clean, check your pantry for foods that have been stored beyond their \u201cBest By\/Best Used By\u201d date. Keep pantry goods at their best quality by storing them in clean, dry, cool (ideally between 50\u02daF – 70\u00b0F) cabinets\u2014away from stove and refrigerator vents. Extremely hot (over 95\u00b0F) and cold temperatures can harm canned goods.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s a breakdown of common food labels:<\/p>\n

Best By\/Best Used By: This label refers to quality, not safety. The food may not taste as fresh after this date, but it\u2019s still safe to eat.<\/p>\n

Use By: Found on perishable items like meat, yogurt and eggs, this label indicates peak quality. In most cases, a one-week grace period applies if stored properly.<\/p>\n

Sell By: This tells stores how long to display the product. Food is usually still safe for several days to weeks after this date if stored correctly.<\/p>\n

Expiration Date: The only food legally required to have an expiration date in the U.S. is infant formula.<\/p>\n

Never use pantry goods with<\/p>\n