If you’ve ever found yourself puzzled by the distinction between “Best By,” “Sell By,” or “Use By” dates, you’re not alone.
Understanding the labeling on food packaging can help consumers make well-informed choices and decrease food waste .
Terms like "Best By", "Sell By" and "Use By" serve different purposes. Here's a breakdown of their definitions and consequences.
'Best By' or 'Best if Used By'
"BEST BY" tags indicate when the optimal time for consuming food with regard to taste and freshness ends.
“Best By” and “Best If Used By” are not indicative of safety dates; they serve merely as guidelines provided by manufacturers approximately when the food will be at its peak flavor.
For example, crackers or chips may have lost their freshness, yet they could still be usable. safe to eat after their "Best By" date, as long as they aren't spoiled or moldy.
'Sell By'
Commonly found on perishable goods such as dairy , meat or eggs , this date is mainly intended for retailers .
"Sell By" dates help stores control your stock levels by setting the duration for which items will remain available for purchase. Customers can continue to use goods past their " Sell By" date without concern, provided proper storage conditions were maintained.
'Use By'
"Use By" tags are akin to "Best By" tags; they indicate the final date suggested for consuming food when it’s still at its peak quality.
For the majority of items, the "use by" date isn’t a strict safety cutoff. Nonetheless, when it comes to infant formula, this date is crucial as it ensures the product maintains its nutrient content.
Are These Dates Regulated?
Federal rules mandate that a "Use By" date must be included only on infant formula.
For all other foods, manufacturers can voluntarily include product dating, but the labeling must be truthful and not misleading.
In a viral video on TikTok , scoring almost 340,000 views in two days, user @hydroxide s—a self-described food scientist —he explained the reasons behind why it can be quite perplexing.
It’s confusing since there isn’t a consistent labeling standard for quality/safety dates. U.S. ," she said.
"But in California , they signed a brand new bill Into law (in 2024), stipulating that the sole permissible labeling on food items will be "best if used by" to denote quality and "use by" for safety guidelines.
"I hope that it becomes standardized nationwide so we can reduce food waste and understand our food better."
Food Safety vs. Food Quality
Spoiled food may show signs like an off odor, flavor or texture. That's different from pathogenic bacteria , which can cause illness without visible spoilage signs.
As per information from the U.S. Department of Agriculture ( USDA Approximately 30% of the food supply goes to waste because of misunderstandings related to labeling. Many foods thrown away after their "Best By" dates are still safe and good to eat.
What Consumers Can Do
Customers ought to follow proper handling and storage techniques to ensure food stays safe.
Store perishable items in the refrigerator once you're done using them, prevent cross-contamination, and depend on your senses such as smell, texture, and color instead of expiration dates solely to assess their condition. food safety .
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