In the US, most food date labels are about quality, not safety, and they aren't required by federal law except on infant formula. 'Best by' and 'best if used by' mean peak quality; 'sell by' is for store stock rotation; 'use by' is the last recommended date for best quality. Many foods are fine after the date if stored properly, but follow use-by dates on perishable items and infant formula, and throw out food that smells, looks or tastes off.
Food date labels cause a lot of unnecessary waste. Here is what each one means. When in doubt, follow food safety guidance from the USDA and FDA.
The main labels
| Label | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Best if used by / Best by | When the product is at its best flavor and quality |
| Use by | Last date recommended for peak quality; follow closely for perishables |
| Sell by | Tells the store how long to display it |
| Freeze by | Freeze before this date to keep quality |
Quality vs safety
Most dates are about quality. Foods can lose flavor or texture over time without becoming unsafe. Safety depends more on storage (temperature, sealing) and handling.
Foods to treat carefully
- Infant formula: always follow the use-by date.
- Fresh meat, poultry and seafood: cook or freeze promptly.
- Ready-to-eat deli foods and soft cheeses
- Leftovers: generally eat within three to four days, refrigerated.
Signs food has gone bad
- Off or sour smell
- Mold (except where it is part of the food, such as some cheeses)
- Slimy texture
- Bulging, leaking or badly dented cans
Storage tips that extend life
- Keep the fridge at 40 °F (4 °C) or below and the freezer at 0 °F (-18 °C).
- Store opened foods in airtight containers.
- Freeze bread, meat and leftovers you won’t use soon.
- Use a first in, first out system in your pantry.
Common questions
Is it safe to eat food after the best by date?
Often, yes, for shelf-stable foods stored properly. Best by dates indicate quality. Check for signs of spoilage such as off smells, mold, bulging cans or changes in texture.
What does sell by mean?
It tells the store how long to display the product. You can usually use the food after that date if it's been stored correctly.
Are food dates required by law?
In the US, federal law requires dates only on infant formula. Some states have their own rules for certain foods.