Have you ever wondered what those mysterious dates on your food packaging actually signify? Is it an expiration date, a best-by date, or something else entirely?
Many consumers assume these dates indicate when a product will spoil, leading to unnecessary food waste. However, the truth behind these labels might surprise you.
In the United States, food waste is estimated at 30-40% of the food supply, which corresponded to about 133 billion pounds and $161 billion worth of food in 2010.1 Understanding what date labels really mean can help reduce this waste.
Not an Expiration Date
Contrary to popular belief, the dates printed on most food items are not expiration dates. In fact, with the exception of infant formula, the federal government does not require food manufacturers to include expiration dates on their products.
Instead, these dates are typically used to indicate peak quality and freshness.
The FDA does not require food firms to place “expired by”, “use by” or “best before” dates on food products. This information is entirely at the discretion of the manufacturer.
The only product that carries a true expiration date is infant formula.(ref) Federal regulations require a “Use-By” date on infant formula under inspection of the FDA, as consumption past this date may be dangerous.
Types of Dates
Food labels often feature one of three types of dates:
- Best if used by: This date indicates when the product will have the best flavor or quality. It does not pertain to food safety. Even if the date passes during home storage, a product should be safe, wholesome, and of good quality if handled properly and kept at 40°F or below.
- Use by: This date is the last date recommended for use of the product at peak quality. It is not a safety date, except when used on infant formula.
- Sell by: This date tells the store how long to display the product for sale. It is not a safety date. You should buy the product before the date expires. But you can still store it at home for some time beyond that date, as long as you follow safe storage procedures.
Proper Food Storage
To extend the shelf life of your food and ensure its safety, proper storage is key. Refrigerate perishable items promptly and keep your refrigerator at 40°F or below.
The temperature of your refrigerator should be 40°F or below. The freezer temperature should be 0°F or below. Dry goods should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Perishable foods like meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and certain produce should always be stored in the refrigerator at 40°F or below. If perishable food is left at room temperature for more than 2 hours, it should be discarded (1 hour if the temperature is above 90°F).
Trusting Your Senses
When in doubt, trust your senses. If a food item looks, smells, or tastes off, it’s best to err on the side of caution and discard it. However, if the product appears normal and has been stored properly, it is likely safe to consume even past the printed date.
Some foods may deteriorate in quality after the date passes but are still safe to eat. Foods that have changed in color, consistency or texture but have no off-odor are generally safe to eat.
If foods have developed an off odor, flavor or appearance due to spoilage bacteria, they should not be eaten.
By understanding what food labels truly mean and practicing proper storage techniques, we can reduce food waste and make more informed decisions about the products we consume. Checking for signs of spoilage and trusting our senses is always the best policy before consuming any food product, regardless of the date printed on the package.
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Nancy has been a plant person from an early age. That interest blossomed into a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Nancy worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.