How to Read Food Expiration Labels

No uniform system for dating or labeling food exists in the United States, except for baby formula. Instead, perishable food industries and individual states adopt standard means for communicating freshness and safety with the consumer by using phrases like, "Use by" "Best if used by" or "Sell by." The expiration or suggested use date only refers to properly refrigerated, unopened containers, cans or packages.

Instructions

• 1

  Read the number or phrase on the side of the product box. For example, the phrase "Sell by 12/09" indicates that the item cannot safely be for sale after December 9th. Egg cartons and milk commonly display this phrase. Always purchase your food as far in advance as possible of the "Sell by date."

• 2

  Examine the date after the phrase "Best if used by Dec 2010" for an approximation of that product's peak freshness. According to the phrase "Best if used by Dec 2010," a product's freshness declines after the specified date. The date stamp refers to quality, not safety, which is why the date is approximate. Packaged, non-perishable foods, such as cereal, chips and crackers typically display this form of date stamp.

• 3

  Note the "Use-by" phrase. "Use-by 20 Dec 2010" indicates that a product is only safe for consumption through December 20, 2010. The manufacturer of the product sets the "Use-by" date based on the ingredients and risks of potential expiration. Foods commonly stamped with a "Use-by" date include mayonnaise and vacuum-packaged meats.