Ever wonder if that “Best By” date on your food means it’s time to toss it? Surprisingly, food expiration dates aren’t as strict as you might think. According to the USDA, most expiration dates are about maintaining quality, not indicating food safety. Before you throw out that yogurt or salad dressing, consider the bigger picture on expiration labels.
Decoding Expiration Labels: “Best If Used By,” “Use By,” and “Sell By”
The variety of expiration labels can be confusing, but they serve different purposes:
- Best If Used By: This date is about flavor and quality. Foods are still safe beyond this point, but flavor or texture might start to decline.
- Use By: Commonly found on perishables, this date marks the peak quality recommended by the manufacturer.
- Sell By: A guide for retailers to manage inventory, this date isn’t a strict limit for consumers and often means the food is still safe to consume beyond this date.
Understanding these terms can help you make more informed decisions about what’s safe to keep in your fridge or pantry.
Reducing Food Waste: The Facts About Shelf Life Beyond Expiration Dates
Each year, nearly 30% of food in the U.S. is wasted, often because of misunderstandings around expiration dates. Many foods are still perfectly safe past their labeled dates:
- Eggs: Generally safe for 3-5 weeks after purchase.
- Fresh Meat and Poultry: Can be used a day or two beyond the “Sell By” date when properly stored.
- Milk: Typically safe to drink up to a week past its “Best If Used By” date if kept refrigerated.
By paying closer attention to how food looks, smells, and tastes, you can significantly cut down on food waste and get more from your groceries.
Spotting Spoilage and Storing Food Properly
When deciding what to keep and what to toss, rely on signs of spoilage such as mold, off odors, or unusual textures. Proper storage is also crucial to keeping foods fresh:
- Refrigerate perishables at or below 40°F (4°C).
- Freeze items at 0°F (-18°C) for long-term storage.
By understanding expiration dates and using our senses, we can help prevent waste, save money, and contribute to a more sustainable food system. So next time you see a food item nearing its expiration date, remember it may still be good—both for your meal plans and for the environment.