We live in a throw-away world and it’s not uncommon to discard something that may still have some use to it. Then again, there are some items that should be discarded, and knowing the difference could safeguard your health.

One thing that you should be familiar with is the different types of foods you may have in your refrigerator or cupboards. They often have an expiration date stamped on them, and this should be a very important part of cleaning out those areas.

It may be possible that certain types of foods can be used beyond their expiration date. There are a number of them, however, that should never be used as the expiration, and here are 12 to consider.

1. Dairy: Items like milk, cream, and yogurt will go bad very quickly after their expiration date. They will grow bacteria and can spoil.

2. Meat and poultry: These perishable items also can be contaminated with bacteria that could make you sick or even kill you. If they are past the expiration date, don’t take a chance on eating them.

3. Eggs: Considering the danger of salmonella, you should be very careful about using eggs past the expiration date. You can put an egg in water and if it floats, it needs to be thrown away.

4. Deli meat: If deli meat is prepackaged, it can grow bacteria quickly after it is opened and the expiration date has passed. This can include serious bacteria that could kill you.

5. Seafood: The high protein content in fish and seafood causes it to deteriorate quickly after the expiration date.

6. Soft cheese: Soft cheese can be a breeding ground for bacteria. They also are susceptible to mold growth after their expiration date.

7. Fresh berries: A berry is delicate and will grow mold quickly after the expiration date has passed. If you eat a moldy berry you could end up with respiratory problems.

8. Leafy greens: There may be some bacteria, such as E. coli in leafy greens and spinach. Make sure that they are consumed before the expiration date or throw them away.

9. Bread and pastries: It is very easy for bread items to develop mold after they expire. They may even have this issue before they expire if they are not stored properly.

10. Condiments: If condiments are made from natural ingredients, they can spoil if they are open and past the expiration date.

11. Premade sandwiches and salads: These may be convenient foods but they are perishable and should not be used as the expiration date.

12. Leftovers: If you like eating leftovers, make sure that you eat them within a few days. Even in the refrigerator, bacteria can grow on cooked food.