I don't think any dried spices "go bad"; they just lose their flavor. Or, of course, get infested. If it's clean, and still smells like it should, go ahead and use it.
Herbs, now, are a little different story. Dried vegetable flakes get tough and leathery; dried leaves (dill, parsley, etc) lose their color and flavor. Again, though, I'm not aware of any health issues.
By anneK (Guest Post)
09/16/2008
If it's McCormick and made in Baltimore it is more than 15 years old.Throw it out!
By
09/02/2008
My Mom had a bottle of ground cloves which she used for her Pumpkin Pie. She passed away in 1989 and I still use those cloves in her recipe. Still have &frac; bottle left. The aroma and color are fresh and spicy. Everyone raves about the pie!