I grew up in a household filled with food scientists, and you might assume that this makes us overly cautious about food expiration dates. You’d be mistaken. Expiration dates don’t always mean what we believe they do.
To start, let’s clarify some commonly misunderstood terms. Most of the dates you find on jars or cans are actually “use by” dates, not true expiration dates. These dates don’t indicate when food becomes hazardous; instead, they suggest the optimal time for flavor. Interestingly, outside of infant formula, food labeling isn’t mandatory according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). As reported by a food industry expert, “[Food product dating] is merely the manufacturer’s best estimate of when a product reaches its peak quality.” Manufacturers often play it safe with these dates, knowing that not everyone stores food perfectly.
So that jar of olives from last year languishing in the back of your fridge, or that spice container you haven’t used since two holidays ago? They’re generally still safe to consume, aside from a potential loss of flavor. As culinary expert Jamie Taylor noted, “We laugh at our friends for using spices from decades ago, but unless they’ve lost potency, there’s really no issue using them.”
Given the rising levels of food insecurity, it feels almost irresponsible to throw away perfectly edible food simply because of an arbitrary date printed on its packaging.
That being said, some foods do spoil, and the signs are usually clear: bread with moldy patches, milk that reeks, or cottage cheese with an unusual texture. Those are straightforward indicators to avoid consumption.
So, what do those dates actually signify?
They can vary based on the food item and manufacturer, so it’s essential to read carefully. Here’s a breakdown:
- Sell-By Date: Indicates how long a store can sell a product. It’s best to purchase items before this date, but they are usually still safe to eat afterward.
- Best if Used By Date: This one emphasizes when the food will taste best, focusing on quality rather than safety.
- Use-By Date: Similar to “Best If Used By,” this also pertains to quality.
- Closed Dates: These look like numbers that don’t resemble dates at all; they’re actually packing codes used by the manufacturer.
Ignoring these dates could be beneficial. According to the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC), 40% of the food produced in America—valued at about $218 billion—goes uneaten annually, largely due to confusion about expiration dates. Furthermore, over 80% of Americans misunderstand these date labels, discarding food prematurely under the false belief that it’s necessary for their health.
Food waste not only affects our wallets but also impacts our communities. Instead of stressing over printed dates, prioritizing proper food handling is infinitely more useful. The USDA has even developed an app to guide you on food storage and handling, helping you extend the life of your food and minimize waste.
So what does all this mean? If you’ve been diligent about checking expiration dates, you might feel uneasy right now. But relax; you have the tools to determine food freshness at your fingertips. Does it smell off? Don’t eat it. Does it look strange? Stay away. Does it taste unusual? You know the drill—DON’T EAT IT.
Even better, you can cross date-checking off your to-do list. We have enough to worry about, and we don’t need unnecessary anxiety from expiration dates that aren’t really expiration dates. Plus, you’ll be saving money and reducing waste. Go ahead and enjoy that ice cream from the freezer—it’s not expired, and you deserve a treat!
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Summary:
Food expiration dates are often misunderstood, as many labeled dates are about quality rather than safety. Most food can still be consumed after these dates unless there are clear signs of spoilage. Understanding these labels and focusing on proper food handling can reduce food waste and save money, ultimately promoting better practices in our kitchens.