+++
title = "Expiration Dates"
author = ["KemoNine"]
publishDate = 2024-10-19
tags = ["Information", "Safety"]
draft = false
layout="notes"
image="raul-najera-MggK54YixfU-unsplash.jpg"
imagecaption="A wooden danger sign in the woods. The image was obtained from Unsplash at https://unsplash.com/photos/photo-of-gray-danger-do-not-enter-signage-MggK54YixfUc"
date="2024-10-19"
AuthorName="KemoNine"
AuthorURL="https://culinary.kemonine.info"
notes=["Information", "Safety"]
category="Side"
cuisine="Simple"
+++

## From

https://www.foodandwine.com/sell-by-vs-use-by-8402060

## Use-by date

Use-by dates suggest the [peak quality](https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/food-product-dating#:~:text=A%20%E2%80%9CUse%2DBy%22%20date,a%20purchase%20or%20safety%20date.) of a product, and are not safety dates. According to the [USDA](https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/USDA-Food-Date-Labeling-Infographic.pdf), “With the exception of infant formula, if the date passes during home storage, a product should still be safe and wholesome if handled properly until spoilage is evident. Spoiled foods will develop an off-odor, flavor, or texture due to naturally occurring spoilage bacteria. If a food has developed such spoilage characteristics, it should not be eaten.”

## Best if used by date

This label is strictly a quality date, suggesting when the product will have its best taste and texture.

## Sell-by date

This label indicates to stores how long a product should remain on shelves, and products are often safe to consume well after their sell-by date passes. In fact, according to the [Institute for Food Safety and Health](https://www.iit.edu/ifsh) at the Illinois Institute of Technology, "one-third of a product's shelf-life remains after the sell-by date for the consumer to use at home."

[How to Store Dairy Products to Keep Them Good As Long As Possible](https://www.foodandwine.com/how/how-to-store-dairy-products)

## Freeze-by date

Think of this label as the "use-by" date but for freezing. Freezing most food products extends their life, and this date will tell you when to freeze an item at its highest quality.

## Expires on/do-not use date

This label indicates that a product be ineffective after the date listed. Along with baby formula, baking ingredients like cake mixes, baking powder, and yeast may have this label.