You’re cleaning the fridge, and at the back, you find a pack of eggs or an old can of coconut milk. The date says it expired last week. Do you throw it out?

Many people in Malaysia would. But sometimes, you don’t actually need to.

Food labels like Best Before, Use By, and Tarikh Luput are often misunderstood. Because of that, a lot of good food ends up in the bin — wasted for no reason.

Let’s break it down properly.

What the Labels Mean

In Malaysia, the Food Regulations 1985 makes it compulsory for food products to carry date markings. But not all date labels mean the same thing.

• Best Before (Sebelum) – This is about quality. The food might not be as fresh, but it’s still safe to eat if it looks and smells fine. Think of dry biscuits that are a bit soft, or cereal that’s lost some crunch. Still edible.
• Use By (Guna Sebelum) – This one is about safety. For fresh or ready-to-eat items like dairy, meat, or cut fruits, you shouldn’t eat it after the date.
• Expiry Date (Tarikh Luput) – This is mostly for medicines and supplements. It’s best not to take them after the date at all.

The truth is, food doesn’t suddenly go bad at 12:01am. It usually happens slowly — taste, texture, or smell might start to change. But some things stay good much longer if stored well.

Foods That Can Last Longer Than You Think

In many Malaysian kitchens, we often toss out food that’s actually still okay. Here are some examples:

Instant noodles – If the packet is sealed and stored dry, it can last 6 months to a year past the date.

White rice (beras putih) – Kept in a sealed container, it can last up to 2 years. Just watch out for weevils.

Eggs – Can last 3 to 4 weeks after the sell-by date. You can do the float test (below).

Coconut milk in cans/cartons – Unopened, it’s often still fine 1–2 weeks past the date. If it smells sour or has curdled, don’t use it.

Soy sauce and chili sauce – Thanks to the salt and vinegar, these can last months in the fridge after opening.

Bread – If it’s not moldy, you can still eat it. Toast it or turn it into breadcrumbs.

How to Check If It’s Still Good

Sometimes your nose and eyes are better than the label. Here’s how to tell:

• • Smell it – If it smells sour, rotten, or just off, don’t eat it.
  • Look at it – Mould, strange colours, or bubbling? Throw it out.
  • Touch it – If it’s sticky, slimy, or mushy (and it’s not supposed to be), better not risk it.

The Egg Float Test

1. Fill a bowl with water.
2. Put the egg in gently.
3. If it sinks and lies flat, it’s fresh.
4. If it stands up, it’s still okay but should be eaten soon.
5. If it floats, throw it away.

Why This Matters

According to SWCorp, Malaysians throw away over 4,000 tonnes of edible food every day. A lot of that waste happens because people don’t understand food labels.

That’s enough food to feed a few million people.

So the next time you see something “expired,” don’t just throw it. Pause. Check. Smell. Test. If it’s still okay, eat it. You’ll save money, reduce waste, and maybe even rescue dinner.

Tips to Make Food Last Longer

• • Store dry goods in airtight containers (keep out ants and moisture!)
  • Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours, especially in our hot climate.
  • Use labels at home: Write the date when you open a packet or bottle.
  • Freeze perishable items like meat, cooked rice, or even leftover curry.
  • Plan your meals weekly to avoid overbuying.