Here’s What You Need to Know About Food Expiration Dates

Ever found yourself scrutinizing the expiration date on your food, debating whether it’s safe to consume that slightly overdue carton of milk or package of chicken? It’s time to demystify those dates. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), expiration dates are more guidelines for quality rather than hard-and-fast safety deadlines.

Why Food Expiration Dates Are So Confusing

You’re not alone if you’re uncertain about what different food labels mean. A 2007 survey of U.S. adults published in the Journal of Food Protection shed light on how misunderstood these terms are by the general public.

A snapshot of the findings: Fewer than half the study’s participants could correctly define the “sell by” date, and one-fourth had the misconception that this date indicates the last date recommended for safe consumption.

Another big reason for the confusion is that there’s “no federal regulation and no standard definition” when it comes to food labels, says Dana Gunders of Truckee, California, the executive director at ReFED, a national nonprofit dedicated to ending food loss and waste.

She is among the leaders pushing for the government to adopt a uniform policy for product dates. At present, laws vary by state, which contributes to the confusion.

What Different Food Expiration Dates Mean

The truth is, common labels like “best by,” “use by,” and “sell by” stamped on your food items aren’t safety dates, says Amy Shapiro, RD, the founder and director of Real Nutrition, a private practice in New York City.

Manufacturers use food product dating to advise consumers on when the food they’re purchasing is of the highest quality. “Best-by and use-by dates are really designed for the look of the product and the palatability of the product,” says Bill Marler, a food safety attorney in Seattle.

Here is a simple list of common date conventions on food labels and what they mean, according to FSIS.

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Understanding Food Date Labels

Food packages often display terms like “Best if Used By,” “Use By,” and “Sell By,” leading to confusion and unnecessary food waste. These labels primarily indicate the period during which the food is expected to be at its optimal quality and flavor, rather than the point after which it becomes unsafe. Here’s a quick breakdown: