Can you get sick from eating expired tofu?
In this brief guide, we are going to answer the question “Can you get sick from eating expired tofu” with an in-depth analysis of whether or not you can get sick from eating expired tofu. Moreover, we are going to discuss ways to spot bad tofu and the shelf life of tofu.
Can you get sick from eating expired tofu?
Whether or not you can get sick from eating expired tofu depends upon several factors. For instance, if the tofu has just gone past the “best before” or “best by” date then you can still consume them without the risk of any foodborne illness as long as it was stored properly because these dates are representative of the quality of tofu rather than its safety.
But if the tofu has developed off-smell and off-flavor then consuming such tofu can put you at risk of many digestive issues especially food poisoning, moreover, you can also suffer from headaches and bloating. Some certain signs and symptoms are associated with food poisoning.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea is an indication of the body that a certain obnoxious agent has entered it. So consumption of bad tofu often causes diarrhea. Therefore you should drink plenty of water to compensate for the water loss that the body experiences owing to diarrhea.
Abdominal pain
Food poisoning after consuming tofu that is bacteria-laden is characterized by abdominal pain. Abdominal pain and cramps may likewise take place in the wake of devouring expired tofu.
It is worth mentioning that whenever you consume a food that is contaminated with bacteria and other microbes, there is a deferral before symptoms of illness become clear, which may last from hours to days, contingent on how many microbes and what sort of microorganisms has been consumed by you.
Vomiting
If you have consumed tofu that has microbial growth in it then you will experience nausea and vomiting which is the natural defense of the body to get rid of the unwanted harmful substance that has entered the body.
Moreover, persistent vomiting can result in electrolyte imbalance in the body as well as it can lead to severe dehydration, dizziness, flushed skin, and weakness.
It is advised to drink plenty of water to save the body from dehydration as severe dehydration can even lead to shock.
Fever
Consuming tofu that has expired will also raise your body temperature and you can experience fever which is the natural defense mechanism of your body and is the indicator that something is off with your body.
Other FAQs about Tofu which you may be interested in.
How to spot bad tofu?
To save yourself from all this, you should look for the appearance, smell, and texture of tofu to find out if it has gone bad or not.
If you can see the color of the tofu change to a more yellowish one or if you can spot greenish-blue molds on the surface of the tofu then it is the indication that your tofu has gone bad.
If the tofu has already curdled, has softened too much, and is not firm then it means that your tofu has gone bad.
Moreover, the slimy texture also points out that tofu has gone bad.
If you can smell something acidic or sour then it means that your tofu has gone bad and you should discard it.
Smelling a pungent smell is also an indication that the tofu has gone bad.
What is the shelf life of tofu?
Tofu lasts for about 3-5 days in the fridge after it is opened at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Cooked tofu can last for as long as is the shelf life of the fastest expiring ingredient of the recipe. Approximately cooked tofu lasts for around 4-5 days if it is stored at approximately 40°F or below in the fridge.
Another important thing to keep in mind is that you should always read the labels for the best before or the expiry date of the tofu.
There are certain storage techniques that you should keep in view while storing tofu. If you want to store tofu in the freezer it is recommended to press it to drain the excess water out of it. Whether you want to store the tofu in the fridge or freezer, you should always store it in an air-tight container or zip-lock bag.
Store the tofu in small batches in shallow containers. Always let tofu cool before storing it in the air-tight container or plastic zipper bag.
You can read about the benefits of tofu here.
Conclusion
In this brief guide, we answered the question “Can you get sick from eating expired tofu” with an in-depth analysis of whether or not you can get sick from eating expired tofu. Moreover, we discussed ways to spot bad tofu and the shelf life of tofu.
