Infant formula, baby food, and over-the-counter drugs should never be consumed after the expiration date because they may not function in the body as they are supposed to. What does this date mean? Although these products may be safe if consumed after this date, their usefulness and quality may be reduced.

Products that use this date: infant formula, baby food, vitamins, over-the counter drugs, yeast, baking powder, cake mixes, pectin If the product smells or tastes bad, or if the seal on the package has been broken, it is best if you don’t use it.Įxamples: “Expires 2/24/01”, “Do not use after 2/24/01” Therefore, after the date listed, the food may not taste as good, but it will still be safe. Quality is deﬁned as smell, taste, and texture, not as safety. The date listed is an estimate of how long the food will be of optimal quality. What does the date mean? These foods have a long shelf life, but eventually they will begin to lose their ﬂavor or develop off-ﬂavors. 1/25/01”įoods that use this date: packaged mixes like macaroni and cheese, boxed soups, bakery products, cheese, some canned foods, cold cereals, peanut butter, mayonnaise. If the food smells or tastes bad (‘off ”) or the seal has been broken, do not use it otherwise, it is probably safe to eat.Įxample: “Better if used by date shown”, “Exp.

Other foods like yogurt or eggs will keep more than one week beyond the date listed. Milk will usually be edible at least one week longer. The food will be safe to eat afte this date if it has been refrigerated continually. What does the date mean? Stores must remove these products by the date listed. Here are some generally accepted deﬁnitions for food dates that may help you determine how long you want to store foods once you get them home.įoods that use this date: milk, yogurt, cottage cheese, cream, eggs, lunchmeats, packaged salad mixes. In addition, some manufacturers choose to add dates on products such as snacks and cookies even though they are not required. This sell by date represents the last day to sell the product so you will have time to store and use it at home safely. However, Washington law does require that foods that spoil within 30 days, including milk, cottage cheese, and eggs carry a pull date by which they are to be sold. There is no uniform or universally accepted system for food dating in the U.S. Do the dates on food packages puzzle you? What about those letters and numbers? If you are confused or puzzled– you are not alone.

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