Can you get sick from eating expired yogurt?
In this brief guide, we are going to answer the question “Can you get sick from eating expired yogurt” with an in-depth analysis of whether or not you can get sick from eating expired yogurt. Moreover, we are going to discuss the shelf life of yogurt in different mediums.
Can you get sick from eating expired yogurt?
Eating expired yogurt can put you at the risk of many foodborne illnesses and especially food poisoning. Yogurt is a highly nutritious commodity and belongs to the dairy group. It has many macro and micronutrients present in its formulation. But at the same time, it is a highly perishable commodity and if it is not stored properly then there are great chances that bacteria will find their way to it and spoil it.
While talking about the food poisoning from the expired yogurt, no doubt any person who consumes stale yogurt will be at risk of such health implications but there are special populations that are more vulnerable to food poisoning and its negative impacts. They are
- Elderly people especially those that are above the age of 65
- Children that are aged under 5 as their immune system is weak as compared to the adults
- Pregnant women
- Immunocompromised people have a very weak immune system and are already suffering from diseases like HIV or the people that have recently got a transplant or have gone through surgery.
Moreover, 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 expired yogurt 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 yogurt that has expired is characterized by abdominal pain. Abdominal pain and cramps may likewise take place in the wake of devouring expired yogurt. 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.
On the off chance that you experience abdominal cramps within hours or sometimes even days after you have consumed an expired yogurt, there are great chances of yogurt being the culprit behind it. If the situation persists or the intensity of the pain increases, it is advised to seek medical help immediately.
Vomiting
If you have consumed yogurt 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 yogurt 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 Yogurt which you may be interested in.
How long can yogurt stay out of the fridge?
What is the shelf life of yogurt?
Yogurt lasts for about 7-14 days in the fridge at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. But it is worth mentioning that you should consume yogurt within a week to enjoy its peak quality and flavor.
Once you open the package of your yogurt, it is recommended to store the rest in an air-tight container or jar in the fridge. You should store your yogurt jar or container on one of the shelves of the refrigerator rather than the door as there is a lot of temperature fluctuation at the door of the fridge that can mess up the quality of the yogurt.
Moreover, yogurt lasts for about 2 hours at room temperature. Bacteria grow at a faster pace between 40 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit and if yogurt is left to sit out for more than 2 hours then there are great chances of the yogurt being already contaminated by bacteria and the consumption of such bacteria-laden yogurt can cause many foodborne illnesses.
You can read about the benefits of yogurt here.
Conclusion
In this brief guide, we answered the question “Can you get sick from eating expired yogurt” with an in-depth analysis of whether or not you can get sick from eating expired yogurt. Moreover, we discussed the shelf life of yogurt in different mediums.
Citations
https://www.livestrong.com/article/88137-side-effects-eating-expired-yogurt/
