These terms can impact food safety and quality, so it’s good to understand their meaning!
Read food labels
Reading food labels is essential for making informed choices about what we buy. Labels provide key information such as ingredients (including allergen warnings), preparation instructions, best before dates, and the country of origin. Additionally, they include serving sizes, nutritional details, and calorie counts, all of which help us make healthier decisions.
The meaning of “Use by” is the date that a manufacturer recommends you consume the product by for safety reasons. It is typically used on perishable items like fresh meat, dairy, and some ready-to-eat foods.
The implication being that after the “use by” date, the food may not be safe to eat due to potential bacterial growth or spoilage. It’s not recommended to eat food after this date, even if it looks or smells okay.
“Best Before” dates indicate the period when unopened food is at its optimal quality. It is typically used for non-perishable foods like dry goods, canned goods, and snacks, and is more about the product’s quality rather than being a safety issue.
The implication is that while it’s still safe to eat after this date, the food may no longer be at its peak in terms of colour, flavour, texture, or nutritional value.
(*Tip: Dull colour, diminished flavour, and poor texture are signs that the food’s nutritional content has declined.)
“Sell by” dates are intended for retailers to manage inventory and determine when to remove an item from the shelf. They are not a safety indicator for consumers.
“Expiry” or “Expiration” dates are not the same as “Best Before” dates. Expiry dates are required for certain products with strict nutritional and compositional standards, as these may no longer be met after the indicated date. These products include nutritionally formulated liquids (such as those for tube feeding), low-energy foods sold by prescription, meal replacements, infant formula, and nutritional supplements. After the expiration date, the nutrient content may no longer align with what’s listed on the label, and the overall quality may have deteriorated. For safety and effectiveness, these products should not be consumed after the expiration date.
Key Takeaways:
“Use by” is for safety and should be taken seriously—especially for perishable items.
“Sell by” helps stores manage stock but doesn’t necessarily indicate the product is unsafe after the date.
“Best before” refers to quality, not safety, and you can still consume the product after this date.
“Expiry” is often used for non-food items and indicates when the product may no longer be safe or effective.
It’s always a good idea to rely on proper storage, your senses (sight, smell, taste), and judgment for many food products—especially when you’re beyond these dates!
I hope this helps.
Warmly,
Cindy Suelzle