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### Here’s What You Need to Know About Food Expiration Dates
Food expiration dates are printed on almost every packaged food product you purchase, but understanding what they actually mean can be confusing. Are they set in stone? Can you still eat food after the expiration date? How can you tell if food is truly spoiled? These are all important questions when it comes to food safety and reducing food waste. Let’s break down what food expiration dates really mean and how to interpret them to keep both your health and your pantry in check.
#### Types of Expiration Dates
The first step in understanding expiration dates is recognizing that there are several terms used on food packaging, and each has a slightly different meaning. Here are the most common ones:
1. **”Best By” or “Best Before”**
– **Meaning**: This date indicates when the product will be at its peak quality in terms of flavor, texture, and nutritional value. After this date, the food may still be safe to consume, but it might not taste as fresh or maintain the same quality.
– **Example**: A bag of chips might still be edible after its “best by” date, but it might be less crispy or stale.
2. **”Sell By”**
– **Meaning**: This date is primarily for retailers, telling them how long to display the product for sale. It’s not an indication of food safety or quality. You can often safely consume food after the “sell by” date, as long as it has been stored properly.
– **Example**: Milk may still be good for a few days after the “sell by” date if stored correctly in the fridge.
3. **”Use By”**
– **Meaning**: This date is the last date recommended for the use of the product at its best quality. It is typically found on perishable items like meat or dairy. After this date, food may not be safe to eat, and it’s best to follow this date for safety.
– **Example**: Fresh ground beef or deli meats should ideally be consumed by the “use by” date.
4. **”Expiration Date”**
– **Meaning**: This is the actual last day the food should be consumed for safety. After this date, the food is considered unsafe to eat and may pose health risks.
– **Example**: Baby formula or certain vitamins will have an expiration date that should be strictly followed for safety.
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