Navigating food expiration labels can be confusing—especially when it comes to “Best By” dates on canned goods. Many people think these labels mean food must be thrown out after the printed date, but that’s not true. In reality, a “Best By” date is simply the manufacturer’s estimate of how long the product will maintain peak quality, not safety. Understanding these labels is crucial in reducing food waste and making smarter choices for your health and budget.

Types of Expiration Dates

Food labeling terminology varies depending on the manufacturer, the type of product, and the region, but the main terms you’re likely to see on food packaging include:

“Best By” or “Best Before”
This label is common on products like cereals, canned goods, and snacks. It refers to the manufacturer’s recommendation for when the food will be at its best in terms of flavor, texture, and quality. After the “Best By” date, the food may begin to lose its taste or texture, but it’s usually still safe to eat for some time after.
“Use By”
Unlike the “Best By” date, the “Use By” date tends to be used for perishable foods like dairy, meats, and fresh produce. This date is the last recommended day for optimal freshness and safety. After the “Use By” date, foods may not only lose flavor but could also pose a risk to health due to bacterial growth or spoilage.
“Sell By”
Typically found on fresh products such as milk, meats, and baked goods, the “Sell By” date is primarily for the store’s benefit to help manage inventory. It’s not an indication of when the food will spoil, but rather when the store should sell it by to ensure the product is sold while still fresh. Consumers can often still consume the food safely for a few days after the “Sell By” date, depending on the type of product.
“Expires On”
Foods with this label are typically highly perishable items like vitamins, supplements, or certain health products. After the expiration date, these items may not work as effectively or safely, so it’s best to follow these dates more strictly than others.

Understanding Food Safety

Expiration dates are not just about quality—they’re often tied to food safety as well. The risk of foodborne illness is a real concern when it comes to improperly stored or expired food. However, most foods don’t suddenly spoil on the exact day marked on the label. The safety of food depends on several factors, including the type of food, storage conditions, and whether the packaging was damaged or compromised.

For instance, while canned goods may last for years beyond their “Best By” dates if stored correctly, perishable items like fresh dairy products or meat can go bad quickly, especially if they’re left out of the fridge for too long.

Shelf Life vs. Expiration Date

The term “shelf life” refers to the length of time a food product can be stored while maintaining its quality. In most cases, manufacturers test and estimate a food’s shelf life before printing an expiration date. But shelf life is different from the expiration date. The expiration date indicates the end of the shelf life, but a product could still be good to consume shortly after this date, depending on the circumstances.

For example, if you have a can of soup that’s a few months past its “Best By” date, it’s likely still safe to eat as long as the can is intact (no rust, bulging, or dents). However, the flavor or texture might not be as good as when it was fresh.

Factors That Affect the Shelf Life of Food

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