Velveeta cheese~past the "use by" date

[wannabefree]

I just realized that my cheap Velveeta from Publix a while back "expired" in April. Is it safe to still use?

I'm not too picky about these dates but know that some items (like pancake mix) really SHOULDN'T be used past the date.

Thanks in advance!

[ncbrunet]

Ok, according to their website, that is a "sell by" or "best by" date for the highest quality not an expiration date.

I found this on one of the food safety sites:

Shelf Stable Foods

Before opening, shelf stable foods should be safe unless the can or packaging has been damaged. After opening, store products in tightly closed containers. The storage of many shelf stable items at room temperature is a quality issue - unless the product is contaminated (bugs in flour, for example).

[wannabefree]

Gee thanks so much! I had them stored in my kitchen (air conditioned etc.) so I feel better now about making cheese and dip and serving to the inlaws :)

[Crystalbug]

At family gatherings, my Mother in law has put out salad dressings that expired a year or more earlier. I try to throw them out, but she says, "It's never been opened, it's still good." Something like that, I won't eat. For the record, I'd eat your cheese dip! :)