Paranoid

Our government is making some of us paranoid. The government is requiring dates be put on canned goods and other food items. On the surface this may seem like a good idea but in actuality it is insidious. I watch people carefully studying these dates and returning product to the shelves. Most of these dates say, " best if used by " but everyone interrupts that as," it is bad by." This is leading to paranoia. The dates are within a year, should I purchase this or dig into the back portions of the shelf and search for a date further out ? Will I really eat this can of peas within the next year ? This reaction is really bad in the milk department. I often have requests for dates further out. This gallon of milk is best if used by, insert date, and that is only a week away. I'm not sure I will use it all by then. Ever consider buying a smaller amount ? And the milk will not automatically spoil on that date.
I have wondered just how they arrive at those dates. The best if used by is particularly puzzling. It is someones job to taste these products daily and record the results ? Canned goods may have a date exceeding two years. Did someone eat a can of beans every day for a longer period of time and then determine it was best at the two year mark ? At twenty six months it was not so good ? Just how long does this testing go on ?
Another point of interest to me is the stability of these food items. Just what is in them to make their shelf life so long ? I'm more concerned with the preservatives being used than eating a spoiled product. I'm sure I would know the product tastes bad, but they are pretty clever at masking those preservatives. I don't want to add to the paranoia but I'm just sayin'.
And one more point. What is up with all this turkey stuff ? Turkey bacon ? Really ? A turkey doesn't have an oink. Turkey burgers ? Turkeys don't say moo. Turkey sausage. And just what is it you are putting in that turkey to imitate those tastes ? Now that makes me paranoid. When is that product the best ? Probably before those additives where put in there to make it taste like something else.
All these dates and warnings are causing paranoia. I see it every day. I do wonder why there is a date on the Strawberry preserves. Aren't they preserved ? And the pickles,aren't they pickled ? Well the government knows what is best and what date that falls on. I guess I should just trust in my government. Now I really am paranoid !