Like many other savvy consumers, I sometimes miss the fact that I have food around that is past the “use by” date on the label. I have been most surprised, and perplexed, if I find a can of soup that is a year or two old. It happened; don’t judge. The stuff is canned. Can it be bad? I find myself now throwing away anything I have even a remote concern about, probably because my personal life brings me in regular contact with a knowledgeable food scientist whose job is to ensure food safety. Let’s call her “Ellen.” Now comes Pew with a new study that questions if we all are too quick to throw stuff out, and gives us a state-by-state breakdown on the confusing array of regulations.