Coming from a lineage of food scientists, one might assume that my family was extremely cautious about food expiration dates, never allowing any salad dressing, jar of pickles, or milk to linger past the date on the label. But that’s not the case. The truth is, expiration dates are not what you think they are.
First, let’s clarify some commonly misconstrued terms. Most dates you see on jars or cans are actually “use by” dates, not true expiration dates. These labels are not indicators of when food becomes hazardous; rather, they simply suggest when the product is likely to taste its best. Moreover, these dates are voluntary, with the exception of infant formula, and are not mandated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
As reported by The New York Times, “Food product dating acts solely as the manufacturer’s best guess as to when its product will no longer be at peak quality.” Manufacturers often err on the side of caution, knowing that many of us don’t always store our food under ideal conditions. So, that jar of capers from last year or that cinnamon tin from two Christmases ago? They’re probably fine to consume—just maybe a bit less flavorful.
While we tease our parents for using spices that expired in the ’80s, unless they’ve lost their potency, there’s no harm in using them. In fact, with rising food insecurity, it’s almost a waste to discard perfectly good food based solely on arbitrary dates.
Of course, some foods can spoil, and these cases are usually quite obvious: moldy bread, foul-smelling milk, or cottage cheese with an unsettling texture are clear indicators to toss them out.
So what do those dates actually signify?
Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Sell-By Date: Indicates how long a store can sell the product. It’s preferable to buy before this date, but the food is still safe to consume afterward.
- Best If Used By Date: Suggests when the food will be at its best quality, not safety.
- Use-By Date: Similar to the “Best If Used By” date, focused more on quality.
- Closed Dates: These are packing codes and aren’t actual dates.
Ignoring these dates might be more beneficial than you think. According to the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC), a staggering 40% of food produced in the U.S., worth about $218 billion, goes uneaten annually due to misunderstandings around these labels. More than 80% of Americans misinterpret date labels, leading to premature food disposal in the name of health safety.
Food waste not only impacts our wallets but has broader implications for society and the planet. Instead of stressing over what’s printed on packaging, focus on proper food handling. The USDA even offers an app to help with food storage and handling, which can extend the life of your food and reduce waste—plus save you money.
So, what does this mean for you? If you’ve been strict about adhering to those printed dates, take a deep breath. You can rely on your senses to determine if food has spoiled: if it smells bad, looks off, or tastes strange—don’t eat it!
And the best part? You can stop worrying about those dates, freeing up your mental load. We have enough on our plates; we don’t need unnecessary stress about expiration dates that aren’t really expiration dates. Plus, you’ll save money and reduce waste. Go ahead and enjoy that ice cream in the freezer; you’ve earned it!
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Summary:
Food expiration dates often lead to confusion, as many labels are not true indicators of safety but rather suggestions for optimal quality. Understanding these terms can help reduce unnecessary food waste and save money. Trust your senses to determine food safety and enjoy what you have without undue stress.