SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/best-if-used-by

What does a "Best if Used By" date on food mean?

"Best if Used By" is about flavor, not safety, so check the food before you toss it.

  1. Throw it out after that day
  2. It tastes best by then, but it is not a safety date ✔
  3. The store has to pull it off the shelf

Why: It is about flavor and quality, not safety. Food that was stored right is usually fine after the date unless it looks, smells, or feels spoiled. The big exception is baby formula: never use it after its Use-By date.

Huh, didn't know that: The big exception is baby formula: never use it after its Use-By date.

The dad joke
What school subject is the fruitiest? History, because it is full of dates.
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Sources

  1. USDA FSIS: Food Product Dating https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/food-product-dating
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