Far as I know that is the expiration date not a sale date so to avoid wasting the food I'd buy new.

Dave

I agree. They can lose their effectiveness.
Maybe you could use them to make a syrup or something with produce you have an excess of so that if it doesn't turn out, it isn't a waste of expensive ingredients and your time.

Deanna

Thanks! I wasn't sure, but don't want to waste energy and food with something iffy. I'm going to toss it. I don't think I'll be making any syrup, but thanks for the suggestion.
Michele