Keeping Seniors Safe

What Do They Really Mean?

Food expiration dates, commonly found on product packaging, are primarily intended to indicate the quality and freshness of food items rather than their safety. While some dates—such as “use-by”—are more directly related to safety, especially for perishable products, many other dates like “sell-by” or “best-by” simply mark when a product will likely be at its best flavor or texture.

In many cases, it is safe to consume foods past these dates if they have been stored properly. It is important to rely on your senses—sight, smell, and taste—to determine if a food has spoiled. The following sections address common questions about food product dating, including whether dates are required and what they really signify.

Types of Date Labels on Food Products

• Sell-by: This date tells retailers how long to display the product for sale. It is not a safety date; food can often be safely consumed after this date if stored properly.
• Best-by/Best if Used By: This indicates when the product will be at its peak quality. It is not a safety date, meaning food may still be safe to eat after this date, though its quality may decline.
• Use-by: This date is more closely associated with safety, especially for perishable items such as milk and meat. While some foods may still be safe after this date, it is generally recommended to consume or freeze items by the use-by date to minimize the risk of spoilage or foodborne illness.
• Expiration Date: Sometimes used interchangeably with other dates, this term specifically refers to a date after which a product should not be consumed due to safety concerns, particularly for products like infant formula.
• Freeze-by Date: Indicates when a product should be frozen to maintain its best quality. This is not a purchase or safety date.

Food Safety and Spoilage

• Proper Storage: Correct storage methods such as refrigeration or freezing are essential for maintaining food safety, regardless of the expiration date.
• Sensory Evaluation: If a food item is past its date and you are unsure about its safety, check for signs of spoilage like unpleasant odor, abnormal color, or a slimy texture.
• Freezing: Freezing can extend the shelf life of many foods, but quality may decline over time even in the freezer.
• Spoilage: Spoilage occurs when bacteria, yeast, or mold grow on food, causing it to decay and become unsafe to eat.
• Food Poisoning: Food poisoning results from consuming food contaminated with harmful bacteria, viruses, or toxins. This can occur even before the expiration date if food is mishandled.
• Canned Goods: Unopened canned goods can be stored for several years. However, cans that are dented, bulging, or leaking should be discarded.

In summary, expiration dates are meant as guidance for quality and freshness, not as absolute indicators of food safety. Always use your senses and prioritize proper storage to minimize the risk of spoilage and foodborne illness.

Federal Regulations on Food Product Dating

With the exception of infant formula, federal regulations do not require product dating on food items. For meat, poultry, and egg products regulated by the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), dates may be applied voluntarily as long as they are truthful, not misleading, and follow FSIS regulations. Required date labels must include the month and day, and for shelf-stable or frozen products, the year as well. The date must be accompanied by a phrase that explains its meaning, such as “Best if Used By.”

Purpose of Food Product Dates: Safety or Quality?

Manufacturers provide date labeling to help consumers and retailers determine when a food item will be at its best quality. Except for infant formula, these dates are not indicators of safety and are not required by federal law.

How Manufacturers Determine Quality Dates

Several factors affect how long a food product remains at its optimum quality, including the time and temperature at which it is stored during distribution, the characteristics of the food, and the packaging type. Manufacturers and retailers use these factors to determine the date for best quality. For instance, sausage made with certain preservatives or beef packaged in modified atmosphere systems may stay fresh longer. Even after the quality date passes, properly handled perishable products may still be safe, but consumers should check for signs of spoilage before consuming them.

FSIS Recommendations for Date Labeling

The USDA estimates that about 30 percent of the food supply is lost or wasted at the retail and consumer levels. One reason for this waste is confusion over the meaning of label dates. To reduce confusion and food waste, FSIS recommends that manufacturers and retailers use a “Best if Used By” date. Research indicates that this phrase clearly communicates that the product is of best quality by the specified date. Foods not showing signs of spoilage should be considered wholesome and may be sold, purchased, donated, and consumed beyond the “Best if Used By” date.

Is Food Safe to Eat After the Date Passes?

Except for infant formula, if a food’s date passes during home storage, it should still be safe and wholesome if handled properly and until spoilage is evident. Spoiled food develops off odors, flavors, or textures due to spoilage bacteria. Such foods should not be eaten. Spoilage bacteria cause foods to deteriorate, while pathogenic bacteria can cause foodborne illness. Proper storage, sanitation, and handling are crucial to prevent spoilage and foodborne illness. Color changes in meat or poultry are not reliable indicators of spoilage.

Special Requirements for Dating Infant Formula

Federal law requires a “Use-By” date on infant formula labels. Consuming formula by this date ensures it contains all nutrients in the amounts listed on the label and maintains the quality needed to pass through a bottle nipple. The date is determined by the manufacturer based on product analysis and handling conditions. Do not buy or use infant formula after the “Use-By” date.

Understanding Can Codes

Can codes are a type of closed dating used for tracking products in interstate commerce, aiding in stock rotation and recalls. These codes, which appear as letters and numbers, indicate the canning date and are not meant as “Best if Used By” dates for consumers. Cans must display a code or date of canning and may also show calendar dates for quality. Always handle canned foods properly and discard any that are dented, rusted, or swollen. High-acid canned foods (like tomatoes and fruits) typically maintain quality for 12 to 18 months, while low-acid foods (like meats and vegetables) keep for two to five years.

Donating Food After the Date Passes

Yes, food can be donated after the quality date passes, as long as it shows no signs of spoilage. Food banks, charitable organizations, and consumers should evaluate the product’s quality before distribution or consumption.

Proper Food Handling Information

Improper handling of food before or after the package date can lead to rapid bacterial growth and foodborne illness. For example, cold foods left out in temperatures above 40°F for more than two hours (or above 90°F for more than one hour) should not be consumed. Always follow label instructions for handling and preparation to ensure food safety. Practicing safe food handling and proper defrosting methods at home can help prevent foodborne illness.

Questions About Food Safety?
If you have questions about meat or poultry safety, you can contact the USDA Meat & Poultry Hotline toll-free at 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854).