How to Determine the Expiration Date for a Food Product

Determining food expiration dates can be confusing. First, there's the question over what the date on the product really stands for. Then, there's the question of how long a product is edible before it truly expires. To make sure that you are only consuming food that is still safe to eat, follow these guidelines.

Instructions

• 1

  Pay attention to not just the date on a product, but what the date stands for. A sell-by date is the last day that a store can keep the product on its shelves, but it isn't the last day you can consume the product. A best-if-used-by date also refers to product's quality but not safety. However, a use-by date or an expiration date refers to the safety of the product. Keep in mind that these dates are suggestions and are not enforced by government regulations. (reference 1)

• 2

  Don't put your faith strictly on the date listed on the package. If you are concerned that a certain product smells bad, or there appears to be something wrong with it, don't consume the product, even if the date on the package is good.

• 3

  Follow U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) guidelines for how long food can be eaten safely after purchase. For example, poultry should be consumed within a day or two, while eggs can last three to five weeks. (reference 1)

• 4

  Throw out all food that hasn't been stored properly. Once a perishable food has been left out overnight, for example, the guidelines no longer apply. It's better to not risk your health.

• 5

  Consider what type of food you are dealing with. A piece of fruit that has gone bad may just taste bad, but a piece of chicken that has gone bad can make you ill.