What All Those (Expiration) Labels Really Mean
Most consumers have little idea when it comes to the many types of expiration labels manufacturers put on their products. Understanding them is key to fighting the food waste war.
- “Best if Used By/Before” indicates a product’s time of best quality or flavor. It is not a purchase or safety date.
- “Sell-By” is for the store. It tells them how long to display a product for sale for their own inventory management. Oftentimes, once expired, these items will be sent to be discounted at salvage markets. It is not a safety date.
- “Use-By” marks the last recommended date for use of a product during its peak quality. It is not a safety date, unless put on infant formula.
- “Freeze-By” indicates when a product should be frozen to maintain its peak quality. It is not a purchase or safety date.