Product dating can be confusing

As I was organizing and sorting my recipe collection yesterday, I came across to this article that I have printed 2 years ago. It was very helpful for me because I always get confused on the dates printed on the foods that we buy like crackers, milk, eggs and etc. Now, at least I know that milk is still good for about 1 week after the sell-by-date. Grocery prices have gone way up lately so every little thing that I can do to minimize our grocery bill is a huge help.

Hope you guys find these article helpful also!


Product dating can be confusing
07/30/2006 05:05 AM
By: Martie Salt, News 14 Carolina

Smart Woman
The expiration date for most foods is the last date you should eat them.

When do you toss out the milk? How long should you keep those crackers? It can be a confusing game, but those different dates on food products really mean something.

Your favorite foods are giving you hints, but sometimes it may seem like a secret code. It's confusing for consumer Mara Lim and many of the rest of us.

"Use by or best by ... It doesn't seem very clear to me," Lim said.

Milk is usually good for about seven days after the sell-by date. So what's the difference between words like expires, sell by, and use by?

Dietitian Eileen Paul, RD, of Group Health Cooperative in Seattle, says it's more about freshness. You'll see words like use by or best if used by on packaged foods like cereal. That's the last date the product is at its peak flavor or quality. It doesn't mean it's unsafe.

"It gives the consumer an alert that this has been on your shelf for a long time," Paul said “You should probably toss it out.”

Sell by or pull are on foods like dairy products. The retailer must remove them by that date, but you don't have to use them by then. For example, milk is usually good for about seven days after the sell-by date.

Dietitian Eileen Paul says the dates normally refer to freshness. Expiration dates for most foods is the last date you should eat them. Perishable foods like meat and bagged salads can harbor harmful bacteria. Eggs are an exception. You should be able to use them safely for three to five weeks after the expiration date.

"For non-perishables it's about freshness, not safety. For perishables it's about safety," Paul said.

Have you checked your dates lately? Product dating is not required by the federal government on foods except for poultry, infant formula, and some baby food, but more than 20 states mandate it for some products.




Contact Information Eileen Paul, RD, CDE
Group Health Cooperative
paul.e@ghc.org