As we recognize National Food Safety Month, it’s essential to clarify what those dates on food packages really mean. Hans Weding, a registered dietitian and food safety trainer, provides useful insights that can help us shop smarter, reduce waste, and stay safe.
Those labels can be confusing. You might see terms like “Best by,” “Use by,” or “Sell by.” It’s important to know these dates typically indicate quality, not safety.
Decoding the labels
Best by / Best if used by: This date reflects when food tastes best. If stored correctly, it’s usually safe to eat past this date. Tip: Trust your senses—smell or taste if in doubt.
Use by: This label often appears on perishable items like meat and dairy, and signals the peak quality. Except for infant formula, it isn’t a strict deadline. Tip: Be cautious, especially with perishables.
Sell by: Aimed at retailers, this date is about inventory management. If you buy the product before this date, it’s likely still good for several days after. Tip: Many foods remain safe to eat beyond this date.
Enjoy by: Primarily a marketing term, it suggests when the food is at its best. It doesn’t indicate safety. Tip: Again, most foods hold up longer than this date.
Remember: Except for infant formula, these dates are usually voluntary. Always check food quality with your senses.
Food safety vs. spoilage
Food safety doesn’t hinge on a stamped date. Instead, rely on your senses. Signs like bad odors, slime, or mold are reliable indicators of spoilage. Over time, a culture of strict adherence to date labels has led many to discard food unnecessarily.
Experts advise that proper storage is critical. If food isn’t stored correctly, it may spoil long before the date on the package.
The state of U.S. labeling
Currently, U.S. policies don’t mandate uniform date labeling. While the USDA and FDA guide manufacturers to use “Best if used by” for quality, there is a movement towards standardization. For example, California’s AB660 will require clear terms by July 2026.
In December 2024, the Biden administration proposed a national strategy to cut food waste in half by 2030, pushing for clearer date labeling. This can save families money and prevent unnecessary waste.
The impact of clearer labeling
Confusion about food dates leads to hefty amounts of food waste. By standardizing labeling, we could help eliminate unnecessary waste and save families money. According to the USDA, in 2021, 30-40% of the food supply was wasted, translating to approximately 133 billion pounds.
Final thoughts
When in doubt about food safety, trust your senses. Inspect the food’s appearance, smell it, and consider how it has been stored. Labels can guide you, but your judgment is often your best tool for determining if food is still good to eat. For further information, visit the USDA food safety page.
Understanding these labels can help you make informed choices, reducing waste and ensuring safety.
