Kinda a weird question...

[x88x]

So, as some of you may know, I recently bought a house. One of the odd little quirks about this house is that the previous owners moved out in quite a hurry...and apparently couldn't be bothered to finish packing. SO, there was a bunch of random stuff sitting around. Not enough that it was a problem, and some was useful, so I think more good than bad.

Anyways, one of the things that was left was a crapton of Ensure and Slimfast. I know this might be a long shot, but does anyone know how long after the expiration date those are still good? I'm trying to decide if they're worth trying to sell or if I should just trash them.

[Luthien]

"For canned goods, the University of Minnesota suggests storing cans below 75 degrees F and tossing them after a year, even though most manufacturers state that canned goods remain OK to eat for 2 years in the cupboard. After a year, canned foods lose most of their nutritional value, but so long as the can has not bowed or rusted, can still be consumed safely. This includes soups and canned fruits."

Taken from http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/6017374/expiration_dates_and_food_pg2.html?cat=5

I've seen people try to drink the stuff when it was about 3-4 months past the date, and they've all said it gets nasty-tasting. Apparently, while it might still be safe, the taste is affected over time. Another thing to consider is if people see it's past the date, they may not want to try it even if studies say it's okay. Personally, I'd throw the stuff out rather than try to sell it.

[dr.walrus]

I've eaten stuff up to 2 years out of date. Tasted fine and I'm still alive. But nobody will buy it.

[OvRiDe]

If they are truly past their expiration date, the the other issue you would have by selling them is the liability. If someone consumed one and got sick, technically they could hold you responsible for selling them an expired food item. Apparently in this day and age no one really needs to assume personal responsibilities such as reading the labels and dealing with the choices they make. ok .. end rant.. I guess you could also donate them to a food shelter and let them make the determination if you are opposed to just trashing them.

[Luthien]

Liability could definitely be an issue.

I'm not sure about donating them. I know that group homes aren't allowed to use expired foods but I'm not sure if it applies to homeless shelters and food shelters. You could always call them and ask.

[dr.walrus]

I'm not sure homeless people need weight loss products

[x88x]

Hmm, I hadn't thought of the liability issue..definitely a concern. For context, from what I've looked at there appears to be three batches with expiration dates in September 2009, April 2010, and May 2010.

[Luthien]

I'd say those are too old to try to sell.

[x88x]

Yeah, you're probably right... ...anyone know of anything fun to do with expired weight loss drinks? :P

[Luthien]

I bet you could make them explode.

[Drum Thumper]

I would like to add that Slimfast had a recall going on the first part of this year. Your cans might be part of the affected recall.

I'd just toss em.

[billygoat333]

you could check if there are any farms nearby that might want it for compost or pig feed. just a thought. /farmboy :D

[Konrad]

Ensure ingredients (http://forum.kingsnake.com/rhac/messages/4607.html). Slimfast ingredients (http://www.yourhealthfiles.com/Slim-Fast-Ingredients.html).

Sadly they contain nothing very explosive or exciting, at least not in quantity. Just a bunch of sugar and vitamin stuff.

[Drum Thumper]

Ensure ingredients (http://forum.kingsnake.com/rhac/messages/4607.html). Slimfast ingredients (http://www.yourhealthfiles.com/Slim-Fast-Ingredients.html).

Sadly they contain nothing very explosive or exciting, at least not in quantity. Just a bunch of sugar and vitamin stuff.

In the right conditions, sugar is VERY explosive. Thankfully (or sadly depending on how you look at it) this is not the right condition.

[x88x]

Thankfully (or sadly depending on how you look at it) this is not the right condition.

:(

[OvRiDe]

sAwQ_ifjss0

:D

[CorsePerVita]

Generally if it is questionable, it's best to just toss it and move on. Not worth it. Or the above, shoot them.

[artoodeeto]

sAwQ_ifjss0

:D

This. :D cans are GREAT targets. Course, personally I'd put some sort of trash receptacle underneath them so the cleanup factor isn't quite so bad, but that's just me and my clean-obsessiveness.

[Oneslowz28]

Trash them, or visit me in SC and we can make them explode with my .17 like the video!

[Luthien]

Cans really are excellent for target practice.

[x88x]

Well, out of curiosity I tried one of the Ensure cans from the May 2010 batch...it's not bad, actually. ..idk what it's actually supposed to taste like, but it doesn't taste bad. ...not sure I'll try any more though...it's not that good. :P