We may be way over cautious but I'd rather err on the side of caution especially with children. Your local County Extension Service can give you FDA guidelines for food safety. Travel became an issue for me. Years ago while in Madrid I was violently sick to my stomach the first few nights after dinner. Our host practiced, as many Europeans, not refrigerating items which are commonly refrigerated here in the U.S. For the remainder of the trip I ate only saltine crackers and gingerale, I was already drinking bottled water only as was DD. My dear friend made a lovely fritata (eggs, potatoes, onions, etc.) which she served hot upon our arrival. It then sat on the counter unrefrigerated for the next few days while they snacked on it. When we returned home I visited my MD. He told me that I became ill due to bacteria introduced that my body was not equipped to handle. I am not at all immune compromised Our hosts have always lived this way so their bodies treat that bacteria differently. I found the refrigeration issue to be the same in France, Germany, Norway, Sweeden, Iceland. They just don't refrigerate commonly refrigerated food items as we do here in the States. Have been to many underdeveloped countries and DH has never had a problem? He is of the "when in Rome" mindset. I've seen him drink from the tap in places that just scream "you're gonna have an issue". He must have some superhuman immune system. Me, I drink only bottled water/drinks and always travel with a stash of pre-packaged foods items, as I want to be able to enjoy the entire trip wherever the destination. Over the years, I've discovered that four star doesn't mean the same thing once you leave the States. In fact, four star in some odd out of the way places means 1/2 a star by U.S. standards. As for meds, I was under the impression (with the exception of vitamins) that at most they can lose their effectiveness, not make you sick. Thanks for linking the article terriks.

Yes. I often buy ahead when the price is right, so by the time I'm ready to use it it could be past the date. I shop at Sharp Shopper quite often and I hardly ever look at the dates any more because I've found that many of their products are dated far enough ahead that it isn't any different than the other stores. But the prices are. Sue

I eat a breakfast-type breakfast every morning, and have all my life. Other than cold leftover pizza in college, that is. For the majority of my life though, there is no way I could or would eat leftovers from the night before, etc. My DH is a family practice doc and he’s very into healthful eating. I agree, having been in the healthcare field myself for many years, but I absolutely refuse to eat food that’s “good for me” but tastes boring or ugh! Thank goodness we both love to cook and experiment with recipes, as I can honestly say that we eat delicious breakfasts every day of the week.

" I don't think stores "donate" expired food. " But they do donate food that has past its "best before" date. They are not the same thing, in spite of people using the terms interchangeably all over this thread. Second Harvest picks up thousands of pounds of it a day., and US food rescue organizations do the same. Interestingly, which grocery stores (including WalMart and Costco) provide most is decided more by the manager than anyone else, even though all managers are given the go-ahead by corporate -- if they are willing to donate the dock time and staff loading of skids, then they do it. Some see the value in it (including the value of having less to throw out, because they pay for garbage by volume- less garbage means more savings). Both the US and Canada have laws protecting donors of food from liability, if donated in good faith.