How important is the expiration date on formula?

[lovebirds]

I have a Similac Advance formula in the 23oz tub that I got a month before my DS was born in case I could not breast feed. I am looking at the exp. date and it says Aug 1, 2011.
So my question is, is it still okay? If so, I will offer FFS so someone can get some use out of it.

Another Q: if it's not still good, does the container seal very well for re-using for other things? (like putting dried raspberry leaves in it... or something.)

[GreysBumatomy]

The nutrients will by that point have dissipated =/

[lovebirds]

Okay, thanks. Phooey.

[myclanof6]

My mom uses formula when she feeds her pups that are weaning and their momma. Just a little extra boost.

[OurAllenBaby]

We received some powered formula one time that was literally 2 days out of date. I decided to try & use it anyways and it had a weird odor to it. It was obviously spoiled. I would say that the expiration date is critical with formula. We even had some one time that smelled off and it was a month before from the expiration date.

I would say it is probably safe to feed to livestock or pets but no way would I feed it to a child.

[Shalom]

Our doctor kept giving us expired samples (we kept telling them and DH didn't check before receiving them) and we decided to go ahead and give it to our DD. It was about 5 cans worth of neocate...but we had run out and you can't just run to the store to buy this (so that's why we did it). But it was fine for her. It didn't smell and worked just fine. But that also might be because it's a non-milk based formula and lasts years, not like the milk-based that only lasts a year? Who knows.

[wendow]

Originally Posted by Shalom Our doctor kept giving us expired samples (we kept telling them and DH didn't check before receiving them) and we decided to go ahead and give it to our DD. It was about 5 cans worth of neocate...but we had run out and you can't just run to the store to buy this (so that's why we did it). But it was fine for her. It didn't smell and worked just fine. But that also might be because it's a non-milk based formula and lasts years, not like the milk-based that only lasts a year? Who knows.

Same here except it was Elecare but essentially the same...amino acid-based formula. Our ped called me and said she had 11 cans (9 of which were expired by a couple of months). At $50 per can, I was more than willing to give them a try especially since our ped thought it was ok. THe cans were fine. Not a one smelled or seemed to give my ds any trouble. But i could see where a milk-based or soy formula might be different and more at risk for spoilage.

[bcb1961]

I'll be the odd woman out and say that I would use it as long as it didn't smell funny (well, funnier than formula usually smells anyway). The nutrients don't "dissipate" overnight. But if you are offering if FFS rather than using it yourself, I doubt anyone would want it.

[lovebirds]

Okay.... thanks all... I will just store it to give to pups (thanks, myclanof6) and use the container for something....