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How to Read the Date Labels on Food

Thursday, March 12, 2009
Related Tags: food | expiration | sell | 532009 | freshness
 

Instructions

  • Step 1:
    Learn how to read the date. The actual date can be written in a variety of ways, such as the actual month and day (May 3), numbers and a dash (5-3) or a consecutive date that includes the year (532009).
  • Step 2:
    Know what "Sell By" date means. This is the very last possible day a supermarket or food supplier can sell the item. This ensures that food is constantly rotated on the shelves. Even if an item is bought on the "Sell By" date, it is still good and edible for up to 10 days after purchase.
  • Step 3:
    Know what "Freshness" and "Quality Assurance" dates mean. This is the manufacturer's estimate of the ideal time a food should be eaten. This is usually denoted by "Best if eaten by May 2009" or "Enjoy by May 2009." Many canned items have this type of label and can still be eaten past the "Freshness" date. Usually these types of food are canned or bagged and do not have a set date of spoil.
  • Step 4:
    Know what the "package date" means. This is the date that the food was packaged at the manufacturing center. This type of date is usually used with food that spoils or goes stale easily, like meat, beer and baked goods. This is just a point of reference for consumers and doesn't necessarily indicate when the item will spoil. Always choose the most recent package date, if possible.
  • Step 5:
    Know what "Expiration" date means. This is probably the most recognized type of date on a food label. However, expiration dates are only required to be on baby and infant food and formula. According to an October 2006 article in "Business Week" about food labels, the Food and Drug Administration requires these foods to have a certain amount of nutrients that are listed as ingredients on the label. Additionally, formula stored too long can lose its nutritional value and become separated.

Tips & Warnings

  • Milk can usually last 5 to 7 days past its "Sell By" date.

Resources


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