Smell

Wilted slimy lettuce, moldy fruit, and discolored vegetables are easy indicators that your produce has gone bad. It doesn't take an expiration date to tell you it's past its prime. But what about olive oil? Has that bottle on the counter been properly stored or is it in the same boat as the moldy peach in the fruit bowl? Can you trust the sell by, use by, or expired by date? Light, air, and storage temperature can affect the shelf life despite the date printed. Instead of referring to the code on the bottle, rely on your senses.