Most people think this is acceptable. When something starts pecking its way out of the shell, the egg is probably past its prime. Flour is spoiled when it wiggles, ot things fly out when you open it. Foods that have become an integral part of the defrosting problem in your freezer compartment will probably be spoiled by the time you pry them out with a kitchen knife. Bibb lettuce is spoiled when you can't get it off the bottom of the vegetable crisper without sandpaper.
Romaine lettuce is spoiled when it turns liquid.
Endive never spoils, but you will never eat it anyway. If opening the refrigerator door causes all stray animals within a three-block radius to congregate outside your house, the meat may be somewhat 'off'. When it induces the gag reflex when you open the package, it is spoiled. Your cats may still enjoy the 'blast from the past'. Fresh potatoes do not have roots, branches, or dense, leafy undergrowth.