Can I eat olive oil that has expired

Olive oil that has expired is generally not recommended for consumption as it may become rancid and spoiled. After expiration, olive oil may undergo oxidation and deterioration, decrease in nutritional value, and deteriorate in taste. Improper storage or damaged packaging can easily lead to the growth of harmful substances. The main component of olive oil is unsaturated fatty acids, which are prone to oxidation reactions after expiration, producing free fatty acids and peroxides. These substances not only cause the oil to have a rancid taste, but may also irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa. After opening, olive oil comes into contact with air more frequently, leading to a significant increase in oxidation rate. Even before reaching its expiration date, it may deteriorate prematurely. To determine whether olive oil has deteriorated, one can observe whether the color has darkened, smell for any odor, taste for any bitterness, and other methods. If unopened olive oil has recently exceeded its shelf life and is stored under good conditions, it may not have undergone significant deterioration, but its nutritional value has significantly decreased. Olive oil should be stored in a cool and dark place, and sealed promptly after use. High temperature, direct sunlight, or humid environments can accelerate the process of oil oxidation. In special circumstances, a small amount of accidental ingestion may not immediately cause discomfort, but long-term consumption of expired fats may increase health risks.

It is recommended to purchase small packages of olive oil for daily use and use them up as soon as possible to avoid long-term storage. When cooking, control the oil temperature to not exceed the smoke point. High temperature frying will accelerate the deterioration of oil. If flocculent sediment, abnormal color, or pungent odor is found in the oil, it should be immediately stopped from use. For expired olive oil, it can be considered for non edible purposes such as lubricating lamps to ensure food safety.