What does ‘Use By’ and ‘Sell By’ Really Mean on Food Labels?

When I was growing up, I didn't worry about the dates on food products. I have six brothers and sisters, so if I saw food, I ate it before they could. 

The 'use-by' and 'sell-by' dates on food are very confusing. I decided to do some research to find out what exactly they all mean. So, I hope this helps you to not waste food. Often, we see these dates and just throw the food away, when we didn't need to.

According to the Institute of Food Technologists, here is what these dates actually mean:

Use By Date:
You should use the product by the date on the label. That said, the date is more of a quality indicator than a health indicator. Food consumed after the use-by date won't taste as good. Unless it is a very long time after the use-by date, chances are you won't get sick eating it.

Sell By Date:
This label is aimed at retailers, who should either sell the product by the date on the label or remove it from their shelves. But this does not mean the product is unsafe to eat after the sell-by date. Typically, one-third of a product's shelf-life remains after the sell-by date for the consumer to use at home.

Best By Date:
This is a suggestion to the consumer on which date the product should be consumed to assure for ideal quality.

The bottom line is when in doubt, throw it out. Or as I like to say, "when in doubt, deep fry it"!