Understanding food expiration dates can be tricky. With so many variations of these dates, confusion is likely a large contributor to the 133 billion lbs of food wasted in the United States every year.
It's hard to not wonder: how much of that discarded food was actually still safe to eat?
But understanding expiration and best by dates doesn’t have to be hard. Notably, these dates are not mandated by law and are selected by the manufacturer, packer, or distributor. Although there is a criteria based on the product’s shelf life, handling, storage, and preparation, these dates can occasionally lead consumers astray. Below, we shed some light on how you can navigate product shelf life like a seasoned expert and help reduce food waste.
Did you know many food items remain safe to eat even after the expiration date listed on the packaging?
What do expiration dates mean?
You’ve probably seen a variety of expiration dates labeled with “Sell by”, “Use by” and “Best before”. While these all sound the same, they all have slightly different meanings and are used to define the quality of the food rather than the safety dates.
“Sell By”
Prepared or fresh food is often labeled with a sell-by date, which retailers use to determine how long the goods should be displayed for sale on the shelves.
Items are generally safe to consume after this date, but they might not taste as good and lose visual appeal. If sealed, dairy products are still good for one week after the sell-by date, while eggs are great for 3-5 weeks.
Unsure if your milk is still good? The best way to determine whether or not your milk is still okay to drink is simply by smelling it. Spoiled milk gives off a distinct, sour odor that is easily detectable. For eggs, try the float test. Simply fill a glass with water, drop your egg in, and let it sink or float. How to determine if your egg is safe to eat:
- Sinks and lies flat: The egg is absolutely fresh!
- Sinks and one end touches the bottom: The egg is a few weeks old but still safe to eat.
- Floats: The egg is no longer fresh and should be discarded.
“Use By”
Use by dates are typically found on canned foods, dry goods, other shelf-stable items, and condiments. This term serves as a guideline for when the food is at its highest quality.
According to the USDA, “Most shelf-stable foods are safe indefinitely. In fact, canned goods will last for years, as long as the can itself is in good condition (no rust, dents, or swelling). Packaged foods (cereal, pasta, cookies) will be safe past the ‘best by’ date, although they may eventually become stale or develop an off flavor.”
Keep in mind, cans make a hissing sound when opened because they are vacuum-packed and the noise is a result of air pressure. Although this is normal, if the can hisses loudly or the food spurts out of the can, it means the food is probably unsafe and shouldn’t be eaten.
“Best Before / Best if Used By”
Best-by date indicates when a food product will reach its best flavor and quality. Fresh foods that can spoil, such as poultry or veggies are typically labeled with best-before dates.
Food can last for weeks after the best-by date if properly preserved. Best-by-purchase dates can also be seen on nonperishable goods, and they often last for a long time beyond the date if the packaging or can is not destroyed. Packaged foods such as cereal, cookies, or pasta are safe after the best-by date however may adopt a stale taste and flavor.
“Expires By”
The expires by date is the manufacturer's best guess as to when the product will no longer be at its peak quality. As long as the food still smells, tastes, and looks good, it’s most likely still safe to eat! Your senses are really the best determination if food is still good to consume.
You May Still Be Wondering…
Can you still donate non-perishable food past its expiration date?
While it may be safe to eat, food banks usually won't accept food after its expiration date.
What are the legal requirements for expiration dates?
With the exception of baby instant formula, product expiration dates are not required by the law. Dates may be voluntarily applied to meat, poultry, and egg products under the jurisdiction of the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) as long as they are labeled truthfully and in accordance with FSIS regulations.
How can I determine if a product is still good after the expiration date?
The best method to determine if a food has gone bad is if it has an off flavor, odor, or texture. Except for instant formula, a product should be safe to consume after its expiration date until spoilage is visible.
Want to learn more about food waste?
By clarifying the different date labels and understanding the variations between "best by," "use by," and "sell by" dates, we can make informed judgments about the things we purchase, eat and potentially discard.
Remember that these dates are not chosen at random; they are deliberately calculated to protect consumers and maintain product integrity. Adopting a more conscious attitude towards expiration dates protects your health and contributes to a more sustainable consumption pattern.
So, the next time you come across an expiration date, you'll be armed with knowledge that will empower you to make better decisions in the kitchen and beyond.
Learn more about the Environmental Impact of Food Waste, make a zero waste recipe, or find other ways to take action now!
