Here’s What You Need to Know About Food Expiration Dates

Lifestyle
Here’s What You Need to Know About Food Expiration Dates

Here’s What You Need to Know About Food Expiration Dates

Grocery costs have surged due to inflation, with food prices in June 2022 more than 10% higher than the previous year, according to the USDA. This has led to price increases on staples like bread, eggs, and meat. As a result, consumers are looking for smart ways to save on groceries. One of the best ways to stretch your grocery budget is learning how to decode those often misunderstood food labels.

Understanding Food Label Dates

Common food labels like “best by,” “use by,” and “sell by” aren’t safety dates, according to Amy Shapiro, RD. These dates are intended to indicate when a product is at its best quality, not when it becomes unsafe to eat. Bill Marler, a food safety attorney, explains that best-by and use-by dates are focused on the product’s appearance and taste, not safety.

Below is a breakdown of what these labels actually mean, as explained by FSIS.

Best If Used By/Before
This label indicates the date by which the product is expected to be at its best quality or flavor, according to the manufacturer. It does not mean the food is unsafe to eat after that date; it may simply not taste as good. This date applies to all types of food, including frozen, refrigerated, canned, and boxed products.

Use By
The “use by” date is the final date recommended for consuming the product at its peak quality, according to the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). Similar to “best if used by,” it does not necessarily indicate that the food is unsafe to eat after this date—except for baby formula, which should not be used past its “use by” date. This label is typically found on highly perishable items like meat, dairy, and ready-to-eat foods.

Sell By
A “sell by” date is for store inventory management. It tells retailers how long they can display the product for sale. Food can still be consumed after the sell-by date, although it may not be as fresh.

When to Toss Your Food

  • Expired Dates: You don’t need to throw food away just because it’s past the labeled date unless it shows signs of spoilage (off smells, color changes, or texture issues), according to the FDA.
  • Baby Formula: This is the exception. It should not be used after its “use-by” date, as the FDA mandates that it contains the declared nutrients up to that date.
  • Pantry Items: Most canned goods, especially low-acid foods like tuna or vegetables, last 2–5 years past their date if stored properly. High-acid foods (like canned pickles or fruit) last 12–18 months. Cans in good condition (no dents, rust, or swelling) and stored in a cool, dry place are safe indefinitely.
  • Freezing: Freezing food immediately at its peak quality (like meat or casseroles) keeps it safe “almost indefinitely,” since bacteria can’t grow in frozen conditions.

Should You Be Concerned With Foodborne Illness? 

Being cautious about food labels can help prevent bacterial infections. The longer food is stored, the higher the chance of bacterial growth, which can lead to illness. Certain bacteria, like listeria, are more problematic because they can grow at refrigerator temperatures. The longer food stays in the fridge, the greater the risk of reaching an infectious dose.

While food labels aren’t specifically for safety, paying attention to them can help reduce the risk of contamination, particularly with listeria. However, if the food is already contaminated, refrigeration won’t make it safe.

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