Understanding Expiration Dates
Expiration dates are often seen as a strict guideline for food safety, but do they always indicate when food is no longer safe to eat? Different labels—such as “sell by,” “use by,” and “best before”—serve different purposes, and knowing the difference can help reduce food waste and keep you safe.
Types of Expiration Labels
- Sell By: This is for retailers and indicates when a product should be sold but does not mean the food is unsafe immediately after.
- Best Before: Refers to peak quality rather than safety. Many foods remain safe to eat beyond this date.
- Use By: The closest to an actual expiration date, mainly for perishable items like dairy and meat.
- Pack Date: Found on canned and dry goods, showing when the item was packaged but not an expiration date.
Foods That Last Longer Than Labeled Dates
- Dry Goods: Rice, pasta, and beans can last years if stored properly.
- Canned Foods: Often safe long past their “best by” date as long as there’s no damage or bulging.
- Frozen Foods: Can remain safe indefinitely if stored at a consistent freezing temperature.
- Hard Cheeses and Yogurt: Many remain safe even after the printed date if they show no signs of spoilage.
When to Be Cautious
- Dairy and Meat: Always check for smell, texture, and color changes.
- Eggs: Perform the float test—bad eggs float in water.
- Prepared Foods: Leftovers should be consumed within a few days to prevent bacterial growth.
Expiration dates are not always absolute indicators of food safety. Learning how to properly assess food quality can help you avoid unnecessary waste while ensuring you eat safely. When in doubt, trust your senses—smell, sight, and texture often provide better clues than a printed date.