Apparently, the expiration date, best by date, etc. is merely the producers estimate of when the item will no longer be at its peak, mostly in terms of its flavor and taste, not necessarily food value or so called "spoilage." Obviously, there are several incentives for the producer to paste a reasonably short expiration date on the food. I have eaten things that were five to ten years beyond their date, with no ill effects whatsoever. I doubt I could have distinguished the old from a newer item in a double blind test.

But we are fortunate to live in a civilized society that has such rigorous standards. Otherwise, we would be barbarians....