best before dates

[queenbee]

Just had my supper, corned beef and dijon mustard sandwich, when I came to clear up I noticed that the mustard is 6 months out of date, it tasted very nice. Should I be making my last will & testament, chuck it away or keep using it. What are your thoughts on best before dates.

[queenbee]

[Gordonmull]

I've eaten condiments far older than that!

I generally ignore a BB date but question a use by date more closely, though. If it's a preserve under oil then I'd be wary but anything else I just smell whether it's in date or out of date. I've learned that, generally, ham and bacon are near indestructible, beef and milk keep far longer than the date and chicken and pork can be off way before the date's up.