Food Product Dating

Question: What does the "use-by" date mean on a package of fresh produce?

Answer: A "Best If Used By (or Before)" date is the last date recommended for peak quality as determined by the manufacturer of the product.

Dates are printed on many food products. Different dates on food products mean different things.

Question: After the date expires, must you discard that food?

Answer: Not in most cases. A calendar date may be stamped on a product's package to help the store determine how long to display the product for sale. It is not a safety date.

Product dating is not required by Federal regulations although dating of some foods is required by 15 states. Calendar dates are found primarily on perishable foods such as dairy products, eggs, meat and poultry. Coded dates might appear on shelf-stable products such as cans and boxes of food.

There are several types of dates:

1. "Sell-by" date - tells the store how long to display the product for sale. You should buy the product before the date expires. This means the manufacturer recommends that a store sell the product by that date; this date does not mean the product must be eaten by that date. The "sell-by' date takes into consideration the product will be stored in your home for a period of time before it is used. Therefore, a "sell-by" date would be reached sooner than a "best-if-used-by" date.

2. "Best if Used By (or Before)" - recommended for best flavor or quality. It is not a purchase or safety date. This date means that the manufacturer recommends using the product by this date for the best flavor or quality. This date is NOT a food safety date. At some point after the "best-if-used-by" date, a product may change very gradually in taste, color, texture, or nutrient content. But, the product may be wholesome and safe long after that date.

3. 'Use-By" - the last date recommended for the use of product while at peak quality. The date has been determined by the manufacturer of the product.

4. "Closed or Coded Dates" - packing numbers for use by the manufacturer in tracking their products. This enables manufacturers to rotate their stock as well as locate their products in the event of a recall.

Baby Food
Do not buy or use infant formula and baby food past its "use-by" date. Federal regulations require a date on those products.

Expired Dates
As long as a product is wholesome, a retailer may legally sell fresh or processed meat and poultry products beyond the expiration date on the package.

Read more: USDA Food Safety
Food Marketing Institute