Many Americans throw away food as soon as a date on the package passes, but federal food-safety agencies say most date labels describe quality and freshness rather than a precise safety deadline.
“Sell By†dates are primarily for store inventory. “Best If Used By†generally marks when a product should have its best flavor or texture. “Use By†commonly indicates peak quality, except that infant formula must carry a use-by date tied to nutritional quality.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service says federal law generally does not require quality-based date labels on packaged foods, with infant formula the major exception. Manufacturers use different wording, which can make labels difficult to interpret.
A date is not a substitute for safe handling. Perishables should be refrigerated promptly, and food that has been left at unsafe temperatures can become hazardous before the printed date. Consumers should discard products with clear spoilage such as an off odor, unusual texture, mold or a swollen package. Do not taste food to decide whether it is safe.
The FDA and USDA support “Best If Used By†as a clearer voluntary phrase because it signals quality rather than an automatic safety cutoff. Consumers can use the federal FoodKeeper guide for storage times and should follow product-specific instructions.
This independent report is based on Associated Press reporting, the USDA and the FDA.
