out of date oats

**hendy** · 10-09-2007 06:48 PM

So I was a little over zealous the last time I ordered my Scottish oats and they go out of date this month. The only problem is that I have about 5kg left! Usually I don't worry much about 'best before' and all that but will there be any adverse effects if I'm still going through the bag in a few months time?

Thanks

oh and apologies if this has come up before but I couldnt find it

**Bison** · 10-09-2007 06:55 PM

If they're in an airtight container I reckon they should be ok. Best before dates are usually very conservative.

Just look out for mould, if you find any pick that bit out

**SamWise** · 10-09-2007 06:56 PM

If its not moving i'd still eat it

Curt · 10-09-2007 08:43 PM

be careful if they are as much as 5minutes over the date u may die

hee hee

jokes u shud be fine mate just keep em sealed.

**James Copping** · 10-09-2007 09:39 PM

I'd eat them.

**Rakiph** · 10-09-2007 11:11 PM

Quote

Originally Posted by SamWise

If its not moving i'd still eat it

And if it looks like it's trying to get away?

KILL IT!!!

As said is in a container and dry then should really be A-ok.

**Wotan** · 11-09-2007 10:56 AM

I agree with all the above. Keep them in a cool, dark, dry place and they'll be fine. The protein and carb element will not be affected it will be the fat content that will have a tendency to rancidify (oxidise). But this is a gradual process that started from the moment the ears were taken from the plant. There is no "magic moment" when it goes horribly toxic. I wouldn't recommend it but your body can probably digest a few milligrams of oxidised fats. A knob of rancid butter won't kill you - it just doesn't taste that nice.

**BanZeh** · 11-09-2007 10:53 PM

I cant really see what bad things could really happen to oats for going over the sell by date tbh? Aside from keeping grubs out of them

**hendy** · 12-09-2007 02:54 PM

Thanks guys,

Glad you're also not as obsessed by these sell by dates as some people I know, after all who actually decides them? I've been a bit slack with sealing them to be honest-they're in a bag with a tag on it, which I think is fairly air tight. I'll just get munching and see what happens!