Do you ever worry about whether it’s still okay to eat that container of milk or package of chicken that’s past its expiration date? Understanding these dates is essential. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), expiration dates are more about quality than safety.
Deciphering Food Use-By Dates
Food packaging often includes terms like “Best if Used By,” “Use By,” and “Sell By,” which can be confusing and lead to food waste. These labels indicate how long the food will maintain its quality rather than when it becomes unsafe. Here’s a quick breakdown:
“Best if Used By”: This date indicates when the product is expected to be at its best in terms of taste and quality.
“Use By”: This refers to the manufacturer’s anticipated final date for optimal quality.
“Sell By”: This is not a safety date but a guideline for how long a product should be displayed in stores.
Reducing Food Waste
Misunderstandings about expiration dates contribute to the staggering loss of 30% of food in the U.S. annually. This not only affects our finances but also worsens environmental issues, as food is often discarded based solely on these dates.
Durability Past Use-By Dates
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