By revising food durabilityGenerally, we need to take into account three pieces of information. On the one side, Date of Expiry. This indicates the maximum date by which the product must be consumed safely and with all its properties. On the other hand, we find preferential consumption, which refers to the date on which we must consume the product with all its properties. In this case, its consumption after the specified date remains safe. Finally there is time within which the product should be consumed after opening. Not all dates appear on all products. In general, fresh foods such as meats and vegetables have an expiration date, while more processed foods usually have an expiration date. But there are products that are very ambiguous. For example:the water is running out?
This is a question we’ve all asked ourselves at some point when we see numbers printed on bottles and jugs of alcohol. mineral water. It’s a sell-by date, but it’s still amazing. What’s even more amazing is that it adds the number of days during which the water must be consumed after opening the bottle.
It usually varies, but it is generally recommended not to exceed three days of consumption after opening the bottle. This may make us think that yes, water is about to expire. But the answer is a little more complicated.
It all depends on its safety
Water is a good ecosystem for proliferation of microorganisms. Especially standing water. If we analyze the water in a puddle, we will throw our hands up.
In a sense, bottled water is also worthwhile because it doesn’t flow like a river. However, whether we bottle it ourselves or buy mineral water, there are procedures in place that make it safer.
Tap water is treated with chlorine, so its direct consumption is absolutely safe. Now, can it be bottled? Here we must take into account that chlorine evaporates little by little, since it is very volatile and evaporates easily. That is why it is not advisable to drink water that has been in a jug or glass for a long time. Either with chlorine or very low concentrationIt is easier for microorganisms to reproduce in it.
For bottled mineral water, After passing rigorous quality and purity controls, it is packaged in a protective atmosphere. That’s why sometimes when we open a bottle of water or a carafe, we hear the same sound as when we open a carbonated soft drink. This protective atmosphere greatly increases durability. But still, judging by the numbers, the water is really running out. When and why does he do this?
It’s not just about whether the water runs out
When we are asked whether water is leaking, we must consider more than just its contents. The continent is also important. This means that the bottles or jugs in which it is stored also affect the longevity of the drink.
As a rule, water is bottled polyethylene terephthalate (PET)a type of plastic that, although safe for food, requires very specific handling.
For example, if these bottles are exposed to very high temperatures, they may emit toxic particles, which will accumulate in the body of people who drink water. Moreover, over time, these particles will be released more easily, even if the bottle has not been stored at very high temperatures. That is why the date is indicated on the packaging. The water does not expire, but its taste may change or even become a little dangerous due to the transfer of particles from the bottle.
For this reason, we must store bottles and jugs very well. It is always indicated that they must be stored in a cool, dry place, away from foreign odors. The latter is due to the fact that this material is also slightly permeable, so strong odors can pass through it. And the problem is not just the smell. If, for example, it is placed next to goods toxic and volatiledrinking water can be dangerous.
What happens when the bottle is opened?
It is generally recommended to drink water three days as soon as the bottle is opened.
This is because when we remove the cover, loses its protective atmosphere. No matter how much we store it in a cool, dry place and only use it when we are going to drink, we will still open it. exposing it to microorganisms and passing it through places with different temperatures and conditions. Therefore, although it is not safe, some of its properties and safety may be lost.
All this, of course, is even worse If we drink straight from the bottle, Well, we pass on microorganisms from our oral microbiota that, even if they are ours, can multiply and promote others.
All these dates are very conservative, so avoid incidents. This is not to say that water expires the same way as perishable food, or that it is easy for microorganisms to multiply in it as soon as you open the container. But this can happen, so it is important to stick to a conservative time frame that ensures safety. The whole point is that water is colorless, odorless and tasteless, but there can be a lot in it that our eyes cannot see.
Source: Hiper Textual
