Our Policies

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Food Product Dating

You may notice dates like "Sell by Feb 14" on meat or poultry products. But are these dates required? Do they indicate when food becomes unsafe? Here’s what you need to know.

What is Food Dating?

"Open Dating" refers to a calendar date stamped on a product to guide stores on how long to display it and help consumers determine when it’s at peak quality. It is not a safety date. Food may still be safe past this date if stored properly at 40°F or below. Follow "Use-By" dates, and if a product has a "Sell-By" date or no date, refer to storage guidelines.

Are Food Dates Required by Law?

Federal law does not require date labeling, except for infant formula. If a date is printed, it must include the month, day, and year (for shelf-stable and frozen items) along with a phrase explaining its meaning, like "Sell-By" or "Use-By." Some states have their own food dating regulations, but there is no nationwide system.

Types of Food Dates

• Sell-By: Tells stores how long to display the product. Purchase before this date.

• Best if Used By: Suggests peak flavor or quality but is not a safety date.

• Use-By: The last recommended date for peak quality, determined by the manufacturer.

• Closed or Coded Dates: Internal manufacturer codes, not for consumer use.

Is Food Safe After the Date?

Most product dates indicate quality rather than safety. If stored correctly at 40°F or below, food may still be safe after the date. However, if food develops an off smell, flavor, or appearance, discard it. Improper handling—such as leaving food at room temperature too long—can lead to foodborne illness, even before the printed date expires.

Infant Formula Dating

The FDA requires a "Use-By" date on infant formula to ensure it meets nutrient content and quality standards. Do not use formula past this date.

Understanding Can Codes

Canned goods have packing codes for tracking, not expiration dates. "Best if Used By" dates indicate peak quality:

• High-acid foods (e.g., tomatoes, citrus): 12-18 months

• Low-acid foods (e.g., meats, vegetables): 2-5 years if stored properly.

Egg Carton Dates

Eggs may display a "Sell-By" or "Expiration" (EXP) date, depending on state laws. USDA-graded eggs must have a pack date (a three-digit code for the day of the year). Buy eggs before the "Sell-By" date, and store them in their original carton in the fridge. They stay fresh for 3-5 weeks after purchase.

Storage Guidelines

Since dates don’t indicate safety, follow these tips:

1. Buy before the date expires.

2. Refrigerate perishable items immediately.

3. Freeze food if you won’t use it in time.

4. Follow handling instructions on packaging.

Refrigerator Storage (40°F or Below)

Fresh/Uncooked Meats:

• Poultry: 1-2 days

• Beef, Pork, Lamb: 3-5 days

• Ground Meat/Poultry: 1-2 days

Processed Products (Unopened/Opened):

• Cooked Poultry: 3-4 days

• Bacon: 2 weeks / 7 days

• Hot dogs: 2 weeks / 1 week

• Canned Meat (shelf-stable): 2-5 years / 3-4 days

For more details, refer to the USDA Food Safety Guidelines.

Satisfaction Guarantee

We stand behind the quality of all our products. If you are not satisfied with any item, we will gladly replace it with another product of equal or lesser value. The exchange must be made within a reasonable time.
🚫 No cash refunds.

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