Decoding Food Date Labels: What They Actually Indicate

The printed date on food packages, such as "Best If Used By" or "Best By," does not necessarily mean the product has expired, according to the FDA. It's more of a guideline for quality, and the food may still be safe to eat after that date if handled properly. Signs of spoilage should be the determining factor for whether the food is still good to consume. The USDA provides guidance on how to store different foods, and the FoodKeeper App offers further advice on maximizing freshness and quality. Efforts to reduce food waste include removing "best before" labels on some foods, and the FDA recommends using "best if used by" for freshness and "use by" for perishable goods.