The key when eating out-dated foods is understanding how foods are dated. Foods are usually marked with a sell-by, use-by or expiration date. These dates mean different things and give an indication as to when to eat the food by or if the food is safe after the printed date.
Importance of Dates
Federal regulations do not require dating on any food except for baby formula and baby food. Manufacturers determine dating on food to assist the store and consumer in determining freshness. Product dates do not refer to the safety of the food, as most foods last well past the dates printed on the food packaging. While most foods are safe to eat past the product date, you might notice a difference in taste and texture. Product dates can help as a guideline so you know when to dispose of the food, but the safety of the food varies with the type of food and the food storage method.
Sell-By Date
The sell-by date is primarily to tell a grocer how long to offer the product for sale. Consumers should purchase food from the store before it reaches this date for the best quality. Food sold after this date can start to decline after this date. This dating also gives consumers some time to consume the product after it has been purchased. Dairy and eggs usually have a sell-by date, but most milk should last for five to seven days past the sell-by date, soft cheese lasts up to two weeks longer and hard cheese can last as long as six months after the sell-by date.
Use-By Date
The use-by date, determined by the manufacturer, specifies what date by which to consume the product. Most products are safe to eat after this date, but the date is determined as a way to guarantee quality. After the use-by date, some foods might lose freshness, flavor and texture. Most baked foods and snack foods have a use-by date. These types of foods typically contain preservatives so they are unlikely to spoil for months or even years.
Expiration Date
Expiration dates refer to the date after which the food is not recommended for consumption. Few foods actually have expiration dates printed on them. Canned goods often have expiration dates. Most expiration dates on canned goods extend to as long as five years.
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