Tag: How to tell if fruit is bad

According to the University of Tennessee System, as fruits ripen, they tend to lose firmness and become softer. However, knowing when to stop this ripening process and recognize that a nectarine is no longer safe to consume is essential to protect your health. This guide will help you understand precisely when you should not eat a nectarine, focusing on key indicators of spoilage, potential health risks, and proper storage methods.

According to the United Nations, up to 50% of fruits and vegetables are lost or wasted globally every year, with much of this attributed to spoilage. Knowing **what are the signs of fruit spoilage?** is a critical skill for any home cook looking to reduce waste and ensure their food is safe to eat.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, a significant amount of food is wasted annually due to misunderstood date labels. When considering if it is safe to eat out of date fruit, the answer often depends more on its physical condition than the printed date.

According to the USDA, date labels on most products are about quality, not safety, with the notable exception of infant formula. This ambiguity contributes to significant food waste and often leads consumers to wonder: **Is it safe to eat fruit after the expiration date?**