To keep it from melting and getting rancid (spoiled).
I would not use it, it is probably rancid.
If it is still good and hasn't become rancid, there's no reason why you shouldn't use it. Shortening normally doesn't 'expire' until it goes rancid. The date is usually a 'best by' up until which the manufacturer will guarantee their product.
Like any other fat or shortening, it will get rancid. It's not harmful, just tastes bad.
Using expired shortening in baking may result in a change in texture, flavor, and potentially harmful bacteria growth. It is best to check the expiration date and quality of the shortening before using it for baking to avoid any negative effects on the final product.
actually today I just made cookies for my family and afterward everyone felt sick to their stomach and turns out the shortening I used was totally rancid it makes the cookie dough look all dark and smells bad. The rancid food....hmmm.....i only had one cookie and I feel fine but my family on the other hand had three or four and they feel a little sick to their stomach but I think its just you can eat rancid food depending on what it is that's gone rancid. But I think if you eat too much then its not too safe.
rancid is an adjective. here is rancid used in a sentence: Since the cheese was left in the refrigerator so long, it got rancid and we had to throw it out.
the food was very rancid
No, the word "rancid" is an adjective.
Those chips are rancid!
Rancid was born in 1991, in California, USA.
Rancid - film - was created in 2004.