Imagine that in your frequented supermarket, there is a special area with a label that says "** Expiration Food". A seventy-year-old grandmother Li was shocked and found her favorite yogurt, ** which was only half of the original. She walked over briskly and happily put a few boxes into her shopping cart. When Grandma Li returned home, she enjoyed these expiring foods, but what followed was a physical discomfort that she did not expect. 
Such stories are not uncommon. We often see expiring food areas in supermarkets, which are tempting, but hide health risks. As middle-aged and older adults, how can we find a balance between health and finance? Is expiring food really worth the pennies we save? What do we do with expired food? Definition and characteristics of expiring foodExpiring food refers to food that is close to its expiration date but has not expired. This type of food is usually lower than *** to attract consumers to buy. Unlike expired foods, expiring foods retain their quality and safety during their shelf life, but their freshness and nutritional value may gradually decline over time. When it comes to expiring foods, we need to understand that they are not low-quality products. In fact, these foods still meet safety standards during the shelf life. Merchants ** expiring food, often to reduce inventory, to prevent the loss caused by expiration. As a result, it becomes a way for consumers to take advantage of the savings. Safety is the primary consideration when choosing expiring foods. Here are some practical tips for choosing from: Know the types of food: Different types of food have different shelf lives. For example, foods such as dry and canned food can maintain good quality near their expiration date, while meat and dairy products need to be handled with more care. Check the packaging and labels: When purchasing, always check that the food is in good condition and avoid products with damaged or leaky packaging. At the same time, carefully read the production date and expiration date on the label to ensure that the food has not expired. Olfactory and visual inspection: For post-opening expiring foods, olfactory and visual inspection for odors or discoloration are signs that the food may have gone bad. Buy in moderation: Considering the expiration date of food, plan the purchase amount reasonably to avoid buying too much and not being able to consume it within the expiration date. Through the above methods, consumers can choose and use expiring food more safely, saving money and avoiding food waste. However, we must emphasize that food safety is always paramount. While saving costs, the quality and safety of food cannot be neglected. 
Risk 1: Hidden dangers of food poisoningExpired food can be a breeding ground for bacteria and moulds, especially meat, dairy products and ready-to-eat foods. Consuming these expired products may cause food poisoning, with symptoms including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, etc. This risk is especially serious for middle-aged and elderly people with weak resistance. Risk 2: Nutritional value declinesEven if expired food seems harmless, its nutritional value may be greatly reduced. For example, vitamin C degrades easily during storage, and expired fruit juices or vegetables may have lost most of their nutrients. Risk 3: Health problems caused by chemical changesAfter the expiration of some foods, the fats in them may oxidize and deteriorate, producing harmful substances. Long-term consumption of such spoiled foods may cause damage to the liver and other organs. The Art of Expiring Food Storage: Prolonging the Fresh Life of Food Tip 1: Correct Storage Dry food: It should be stored in a dry and ventilated place to avoid moisture and mold. Refrigerated food: Must be stored in the refrigerator and pay attention to the temperature setting of the refrigerator. Canned food: After opening, it should be transferred to a glass or stainless steel container to avoid prolonged contact with food from metal cans. Tip 2: Distinguish the type of foodFor perishable foods, such as fresh meat and fish, you should choose carefully even if they are expiring. For relatively stable foods such as dry and canned foods, it is usually safe to eat within the expiration date. Tip 3: Make good use of freezingFor some unopened foods that are close to the end of their life, such as meat and some cooked foods, they can be frozen to extend their shelf life. However, it should be noted that it should be eaten immediately after thawing and avoid repeated freezing. 
By doing so, we will not only be able to use expiring foods more safely, but we will also be able to reduce food waste while ensuring health. It is important to always put health first and stay vigilant about the freshness and safety of food.