I worked in a grocery store for 10 years. The best before on canned goods is really there so that the stock gets rotated. The amount of stuff that North America throws into the garbage is disgusting. I check the best before on a can, then look at the can (yes bulging or rusty does get tossed) But the real teller is openning it and taking a good sniff. Smells okay, then look at the product. Looks okay. Then give it the taste test. A wee taste will not kill you if the stuff is off, but you should be able to tell. Plus, if it is something you are cooking, the heat should kill off any random bacteria.
And remember that our foreparents had no refridgeration and seemed to be healthier than we are today. Maybe it was because their bodies got to fight off a lot of stuff that has been deemed 'dangerous' in today's society.
Throw out your antibacterial soap!! Okay off my soap box.