Understand the ‘Sell By’ and ‘Use By’ Dates of Food Labels

Sell by dates and use by dates are helpful to learn when certain food is still good to consume or not. However, they don’t always tell the full condition of the food. A product might be safe to eat after these dates if it’s been stored properly, but improper storage can cause food to spoil way before it should.

That’s why you need to know what these labels really mean, how to store food to keep them fresh, and how understanding these dates can help you avoid unnecessary trips to the trash can.

Understanding the Difference Between “Sell By” and “Use By” Dates

Sell by dates are mostly for stores. It tells the store when to pull the item off the shelf to make sure it’s sold while still fresh. It doesn’t mean the food is no longer good after that day, but it’s the store’s guideline for when they should stop selling it.

Meanwhile, use by date is the manufacturer’s recommendation for the last day the food should be consumed for the best taste and safety. 

Foods that have a “use by” date should ideally be eaten by that day. After that date, the food may start losing its flavor, texture, or even pose a health risk (especially with things like dairy or meats).

A simple way to remember is, the sell by date is for the store’s schedule, and the “use by” date is for consumers to know when the food is no longer safe or ideal to eat.

Key Factors to Consider for Food Safety

Even if a food is within its sell by dates, it can still become unsafe to eat if it’s not handled or stored properly. So, keep these factors in mind:

Temperature

Food needs to be stored at specific temperatures to stop bacteria from growing. The “danger zone” is between 40°F (4°C) and 140°F (60°C), where bacteria can multiply quickly. To keep your food safe:

• Set your fridge to 40°F (4°C) or lower.
• Keep your freezer at 0°F (-18°C).

Storage Methods

Different foods need different storage methods. For example, raw meat should always be stored in the fridge, preferably in a sealed container to avoid cross-contamination. Fresh fruits and vegetables often last longer in the fridge, but some (like bananas, potatoes, and onions) do better outside.

Signs of Spoilage

Sometimes the use by or sell by dates are just a guideline, and your senses are the best indicator of whether food is still safe to eat. If something smells sour, looks slimy, or has an off-color, it’s better to throw it away.

Always check for any signs of mold, unpleasant odors, or a change in texture (like a mushy tomato or rubbery lettuce) before eating food past its date.

Read About: Navigating the Importance of Expire Date in Products

How Expiry Dates Help Consumers Make Smart Choices?

Expiry dates are not always a guarantee. Some foods can last beyond the printed date, and some might spoil even before it. So, you need to:

Trust the Dates, but Use Common Sense

If you see sell by dates that have passed, don’t automatically throw the food away. You need to check the content first. 

Canned goods can last a long time after the printed date, as long as the can is intact and there’s no rust or dents. Dried pasta or rice? It’s often fine even years past the date, as long as it’s been stored in a dry, cool place.

Packaged and Processed Foods

Packaged foods like boxed cereals, snacks, or frozen meals can still be safe beyond their sell by date. Processed foods are often treated to last longer, and sometimes the use by dates are overly cautious. That said, always check the food for changes in texture, smell, or appearance.

Perishable Foods

For items like dairy, meat, or fresh produce, it’s important to stick more closely to the sell by dates. These foods spoil much quicker and can make you sick if consumed after they’ve gone bad. If in doubt, throw it out!

Eliminating Uncertainty Around Food Freshness

If you’re ever unsure about how long something has been in your fridge or pantry, consider labeling said items with the date you bought them. That way, you can better track freshness.

For food that’s about to expire by their use by or sell by dates, you can freeze it. Freezing locks in the freshness for much longer, allowing you to consume it when you’re ready. For example, leftover meat can be frozen for weeks without losing much flavor or texture.

In addition, you can rotate your pantry. Use the “first in, first out” method. When you stock up on new food, rearrange the pantry so the older items are in front, making them the first to be used.

Why Proper Food Storage Matters?

In short, to keep it safe and reduce waste. Without proper storage, food can go bad way quicker before the expiry dates. So, store it at the right temperature and in the right conditions to slow down spoilage and prevent bacteria growth.

Understanding use by and sell by dates, and proper food storage can help you make smarter decisions about what’s safe to eat. Trust the dates, but also use your senses. All those steps together can help keep your meals fresh, safe, and enjoyable!

 

References

https://rachellynncarr.wordpress.com/2015/03/22/lets-talk-about-batch-codes/

https://landofrost.com/5-rules-that-finally-decode-food-label-dates/

https://foodrevolution.org/blog/how-to-read-food-labels/ 

https://blog.foodsafety.com.au/three-factors-food-safety-food-business