Fresh or Foul? Mastering Food Expiration Labels

Ever found yourself puzzled by the various dates printed on food packages? Whats the real difference between “Expires On”,  “Best Before” and “Use By”? Understanding these labels can help you gauge the freshness of your food, understand how to store it, and guide waste reduction. Let’s break down the different types of food expiration labels and what they mean for you.

"Sell By" Date

• What It Means: Tells the store how long to keep the product on the shelf.

• What To Do: Try to buy before this date for the best quality. It’s usually safe to eat for a bit after, but check for signs of spoilage.

"Use By" Date

• What It Means: The last date recommended for using the product at peak quality.

• What To Do: Use the product by this date for the best taste and texture. It’s often still safe after this date but may not be as good.

"Best Before"

• What It Means: Indicates when the product will be at its best flavor or quality.

• What To Do: The food is still safe to eat after this date, but its quality might decline. Perfect for non-perishable items.

"Expires On"

• What It Means: The date after which the product should not be consumed.

• What To Do: Don’t eat the product after this date. It could be unsafe.

"Packed On" or "Manufactured On"

• What It Means: The date the product was packaged or produced.

• What To Do: Use this to gauge freshness, especially for long-lasting items like snacks or canned goods.

"Freeze By"

• What It Means: Suggests when to freeze the product to keep it at its best.

• What To Do: Freeze by this date to maintain quality and safety.

What This Means for Your Food

Knowing what these labels mean helps you decide when to eat your food:

• Perishable Items: For things like dairy, meat, and fresh produce, follow the "Use By" and "Expires On" dates closely. These foods can spoil quickly and might be unsafe after these dates.

• Non-Perishable Items: Canned goods, dry foods, and other shelf-stable products usually have "Best Before" dates. They’re safe to eat after this date but might not taste as good.

• Frozen Foods: Look at "Freeze By" dates to keep your frozen items in top shape.

Handy Tips for You

1. Store Properly: Always store food according to the package instructions. Keep perishable items refrigerated or frozen as needed.

2. Rotate Stock: Use the "First In, First Out" method. Move older items to the front to use them first.

3. Check Before Eating: If you’re unsure about a product’s safety, inspect it for any off smells, changes in color, or unusual textures.

Now that you have an understanding of the meaning behind food expiration labels, following guidelines can help you enjoy your food at its best quality, cut down on waste, and stay safe. Next time you’re shopping, you’ll be ready to make smarter choices about your groceries!