Nancy2 wrote:
>Aussie wrote:
>> I got this today, and had a look in my pantry, and sure enough found a couple
>> of boxes way at the back that were between 6 months to 18 months out of date.
>>
>> They now reside in the bin.
>>
>> Better to be safe, than sorry.
>>
>> http://www.snopes.com/medical/toxins/pancake.asp
>
>So, can one see the mold in the mix?

Mold indicates too much moisture.

Those are "best used by dates", not "expiration dates". In mixes the
baking powder can become weak over time but is easily remedied by
adding a small amount of fresh for insurance. Naturally if it's buggy
or smells rancid dump it the same as one would regardless of the date.
I've had box cakes in my pantry for as long as five years and still
they baked up perfectly without adding any baking powder. Also a lot
has to do with where/how one lives; in hot humid climes without AC no
exposed food stuffs will keep well,