Can you get sick from eating expired frosting?

In this brief guide, we are going to answer the question “can you get sick from eating expired frosting” and discuss the health implications of eating expired frosting. Moreover, we are going to discuss tips to properly store frosting.

Can you get sick from eating expired frosting?

Yes, you can get sick from eating expired frosting. There are many types of frosting but all of them are susceptible to being contaminated by pathogenic bacteria, yeasts and fungi which may lead to diseases (1,2).

How to know if frosting is spoiled?

To know if frosting is spoiled, you should consider the appearance, consistency, taste, and smell of your frosting to notice whether or not it has gone bad. Some possible indications of spoilage of the frosting are (3,4,5,6,7):

Clumping (increase in moisture) in the case of powdered products

Discoloration, phase separation, watery consistency, slimy texture (which may indicate bacteria or yeasts), curdling

The growth of fuzzy colonies or colored spots can be signs of mold or yeast growth

Changes in the color is also a possible sign of spoilage. Long storage leads to discoloration, due to oxidation reactions and browning

Generation of off-odors, such as sour, putrid or rancid

The generation of gas (which can be noticed by the bloating of packaging or container) 

Generation of off-flavors, due to oxidation 

What are the risks of eating spoiled frosting?

The risks of eating expired frosting depends on the type of frosting (1,2). Shelf stable frosting mixes are less susceptible to spoilage due to the low water activity (5). 

Depending on their fat amount and composition, powdered products can suffer oxidation reactions which generate toxic compounds which have negative effects on human health. 

In addition, oxidation leads to a lower nutritional value of food. Secondary oxidation reaction products, such alkanes, alkenes, aldehydes and ketones are the cause of off-odors and off-flavors in products containing lipids (4).

On the other hand, powdered frostings containing chocolate may carry mycotoxins, which can be harmful to health (3). 

For instance, frosting containing eggs and dairy in their composition are more prone to be contaminated by Salmonella, while cheese containing frosting can be a host of Listeria monocytogenes (1,2). 

Food outbreaks related to cream were reported to be due to the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus. 

What is the shelf life of frosting?

Unopened commercially canned frosting lasts for about 12-18 months when stored in a cool, dry, and dark corner of the pantry away from direct sunlight and heat while once opened it should be stored in the refrigerator and at 40°F it can last for about 2-3 weeks (8).

Powdered frosting mixes have a best-by indication. In general, shelf stable products have a shelf life of over 2 years. However, some products contain eggs in its composition, which may reduce the shelf life considerably.

Homemade frosting should be used immediately or stored for and, when containing eggs in the composition, they should be prepared with pasteurized eggs only (9).

How to properly store frosting?

To properly store frosting, you should consider the type of frosting. Shelf stable products, such as frosting mixes should be stored in a cool and dry place away from heat source, such as electronic equipment and protected from sunlight (10).

Homemade frostings should be placed in an airtight container and refrigerated immediately.

Ready to use canned frostings should be stored in a dry cool place in the pantry protected from light and heat when still unopened. After opening, it should be stored in the fridge to prolong its shelf life.

Conclusion

In this brief guide, we answered the question “how long does frosting last in the fridge” and we discussed the risks of eating expired frosting in addition to tips to properly store the frosting.

Citations 

  1. Blakeslee, K. Food Safety of Frostings and Fillings, Kansas State University, 2020
  2. Jahan, Saulat. Epidemiology of foodborne illness. Scient health soc aspects food ind, 2012, 1, 321-342.  
  3. Gorodyska, O., et al. Investigation of the safety grapeseed powder as an alternative to cocoa-powder in a confectionery glaze. Харчова наука і технологія, 2018, 12, 64-70.
  4. Romeu-Nadal, M., et al. Oxidation stability of the lipid fraction in milk powder formulas. Food Chem, 2007, 100, 756-763.
  5. Man, CM Dominic, and Adrian A. Jones, eds. Shelf life evaluation of foods. Glasgow: Blackie Academic & Professional, 1994.
  6. Rawat, Seema. Food Spoilage: Microorganisms and their prevention. Asian j plant sci Res, 2015, 5, 47-56.
  7. Hidayati, Sri, Dewi Sartika, and Ahmad Fudholi. Predict the shelf life of instant chocolate in vacuum packing by using accelerated shelf life test (ASLT). Mathem Model Eng Problems, 2022, 9, 443-450. 
  8. Foodkeeper. United States Department of Agriculture
  9. Shell eggs from farm to table. United States Department of Agriculture.
  10. Van Laanen, Peggy. Safe home food storage. Texas FARMER Collection. 2002.

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