Many of us look to those dates on the bottom or side of our food to tell us whether it is still safe to eat. However, some of the dates actually have entirely different meanings.
The Dates On Food Labels Actually Mean:
The terms “sell by,” “use by,” even “best by” are found on food from perishables to canned goods.
With the exception of baby formula the terms or dates on these packages are not government mandated, suggestions the food manufacturer is giving to the grocer or consumer. They are not usually about safety, but taste.
According to the USDA the terms mean:
“Sell-By” date tells the store how long to display the product for sale. If you have a product where this date has passed it doesn't mean the product is bad.
“Best if Used By date is recommended for best flavor or quality.
A “Use-By” date is the last date recommended for the use of the product while at peak quality.
Finished!
Now that you know what these dates really mean, you can save yourself not only time but money and who doesn't like that?
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Article Source: ABC 7
Sue Colucci
Jessie Miller