Expiration Dates: How Important Are They?

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Dates stamped on that can of tuna or pack of meat are there for a reason. Although they could be confusing, they could spare you from health or taste problems. Hence, understanding what those numbers or codes mean will be very helpful to you.

There are different types of dates usually stamped in food labels. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, some appear primarily on perishable goods such as meat, poultry, eggs and dairy products. Others are found on shelf-table products such as canned goods.

“Most consumers don’t realize that they’re really more about food quality than food safety,” Robert Gravani, Ph.D., a professor of food science at Cornell University, told Consumer Reports.

Here's what some of the most commonly-found labels mean.

1. “Sell by,” as what Georgia-based dietitian Lindsay Baker told Woman's Day, is often a terminology for retailers helping them know when to swap out stock. Although foods are normally safe a few days after a sell-by date, it is not recommended to eat food much beyond it. WebMD recommended that, although the date is a guide for the retailer, buyers should check for it to ensure that the products being bought are the freshest in stock. Although items are still edible after the date has passed, it will not be at the highest level of quality.
2. “Best if Used By (or Best Before)” usually refers to quality and taste standards. Although this date indicates best taste and quality, and not necessarily for purchase or safety dates, it won't hurt to choose eating foods that haven't reached the date indicated. After all, who would want to eat food that's already lost flavor?
3. “Use by” dates carry with it a hard-and-fast rule that say food items not consumed on or before the stated date are unsafe for consumption. This is usually determined by the manufacturer of the product.
4. “Pack” date refers to the date when the food item has been either packed or canned.
5. “Guaranteed Fresh” dates usually refer to breads. Although breads will still be edible after the date, they won't be as fresh compared to freshly baked bread.

Consumers are advised to check for the food product's quality even after considering the dates indicated. Once it has developed foul odors or flavors, or appears different, it should not be used or consumed anymore.

The USDA also advised against the mishandling of food, as this could cause bacteria and growth to occur in the foods even before the expiration date.