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.
“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.
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.
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.
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.
Canned goods have packing codes for tracking, not expiration dates. “Best if Used By” dates indicate peak quality:
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.
Since dates don’t indicate safety, follow these tips:
Fresh / Uncooked Meats:
Processed Products (Unopened / Opened):
For more details, refer to the USDA Food Safety Guidelines.
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