News
August 26, 2025
Expiry dates on food packaging really matter? Should you still eat after expiration limit? May be yes
In the United States, there are roughly 50 variations of date labels, including "use by," "sell by" and "packaged on," nearly all of which indicate when quality or freshness begins declining.
**Expiry Dates on Food Packaging Really Matter? Should You Still Eat After Expiration Limit? Maybe Yes**
Are you throwing away food simply because the date on the package has passed? You might be surprised to learn that those dates often have more to do with quality than safety, and you could be needlessly contributing to food waste. In the United States, a confusing array of date labels on food products leads to significant misunderstanding among consumers. With approximately 50 different variations, including phrases like "use by," "sell by," and "packaged on," it's no wonder people are unsure what these dates actually mean.
The crucial point to understand is that almost all of these dates are indicators of peak quality or freshness, not necessarily points at which the food becomes unsafe to eat. Manufacturers use these dates to signal when they believe the product will no longer be at its absolute best in terms of taste, texture, or appearance.
For example, a "sell by" date is primarily for retailers. It informs them how long to display the product for sale. Consumers can often safely consume the product well after this date, provided it has been stored properly. Similarly, a "use by" date often indicates the last day the manufacturer recommends using the product for optimal quality. It doesn't automatically mean the food is dangerous to consume the next day.
"Packaged on" dates are even less indicative of safety. They simply tell you when the product was processed and packaged. This information can be helpful in gauging overall freshness, but it doesn't provide a firm deadline for consumption.
So, should you toss food immediately after the date on the package passes? Not necessarily. Instead, use your senses. Check for signs of spoilage, such as unusual odors, discoloration, or a change in texture. If the food looks, smells, and feels normal, it's likely safe to eat, even if the date has passed.
However, it’s important to exercise caution with certain foods, such as raw meats, poultry, and seafood. These items are more prone to bacterial growth and should be consumed or frozen by their "use by" date to minimize the risk of foodborne illness. Ultimately, understanding the true meaning behind date labels can help consumers make more informed decisions about food safety and reduce unnecessary waste.
Are you throwing away food simply because the date on the package has passed? You might be surprised to learn that those dates often have more to do with quality than safety, and you could be needlessly contributing to food waste. In the United States, a confusing array of date labels on food products leads to significant misunderstanding among consumers. With approximately 50 different variations, including phrases like "use by," "sell by," and "packaged on," it's no wonder people are unsure what these dates actually mean.
The crucial point to understand is that almost all of these dates are indicators of peak quality or freshness, not necessarily points at which the food becomes unsafe to eat. Manufacturers use these dates to signal when they believe the product will no longer be at its absolute best in terms of taste, texture, or appearance.
For example, a "sell by" date is primarily for retailers. It informs them how long to display the product for sale. Consumers can often safely consume the product well after this date, provided it has been stored properly. Similarly, a "use by" date often indicates the last day the manufacturer recommends using the product for optimal quality. It doesn't automatically mean the food is dangerous to consume the next day.
"Packaged on" dates are even less indicative of safety. They simply tell you when the product was processed and packaged. This information can be helpful in gauging overall freshness, but it doesn't provide a firm deadline for consumption.
So, should you toss food immediately after the date on the package passes? Not necessarily. Instead, use your senses. Check for signs of spoilage, such as unusual odors, discoloration, or a change in texture. If the food looks, smells, and feels normal, it's likely safe to eat, even if the date has passed.
However, it’s important to exercise caution with certain foods, such as raw meats, poultry, and seafood. These items are more prone to bacterial growth and should be consumed or frozen by their "use by" date to minimize the risk of foodborne illness. Ultimately, understanding the true meaning behind date labels can help consumers make more informed decisions about food safety and reduce unnecessary waste.
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World