A Subtle Spoilage

Uncooked noodles that have been exposed to air for too long can become tasteless or gummy. They are spoiled in the sense that their quality has declined, but they are unlikely to make you sick. However, uncooked noodles that are exposed to moisture might grow moldy, making them unsafe to consume. For the sake of quality, discard uncooked noodles that have grown pale or dull in color, and for the sake of safety discard any noodles with visible mold.

An Impressive Shelf Life

If properly handled, uncooked noodles should keep for at least one to two years after the expiration date on the package. However, your senses are a more reliable indication of freshness than a date stamped on a package. Shelf life dating is based on averages and typical conditions, while the particular noodles in your cupboard may have been exposed to air or moisture, and might have become tasteless or inedible. Pay attention to odor and color, and avoid noodles that are stuck together because they have likely been exposed to moisture.

All Noodles Aren't Equal

According to the Journal of Food and Feed Research, hand-made artisan noodles harbor more food-borne pathogens than noodles made in factories, primarily by machines. The researchers concluded that the difference was primarily because industrial noodles are largely handled mechanically while artisan noodles are more likely to be produced and packaged by human hands. The cooking processes involved in pasta production kills many, but not all, of these food-borne pathogens. Enjoy your artisan pasta, but pay special attention to its color and aroma as it ages.

Uncooked Fresh Noodles

Although uncooked dried noodles are unlikely to spoil if they are properly handled, uncooked fresh noodles have a short shelf life and they turn sour or moldy if you keep them for too long. Most fresh noodles have a shelf life of less than a week because they have a high moisture content and are made with egg, a highly perishable ingredient that can be dangerous after it spoils. Use uncooked fresh noodles by their expiration date and discard them if they smell sour or appear moldy.