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Writer's pictureElieke Kearns, PhD, RD

BEST BY vs. USE BY date

Updated: Sep 22, 2023

Most foods have a date printed somewhere on the package, but what does this date stamp mean?


Do I need to throw the food away after this date? 🚮 Can I still eat it as long as it looks and smells okay?

The @usafda estimates that the confusion around date labeling on food drives about 2️⃣0️⃣% of our in-home food waste in the 🇺🇸

USE BY ➡️ a #FoodSafety statement. The food can be enjoyed up until the end of this date. After this date, throw it away 🗑 Yes, even if it looks or smells okay.

BEST BY ➡️ a #FoodQuality statement. The food can still be eaten after the date, but may not be at it’s best. No need to throw the food away simply because it’s past the date, but do use your best judgment 👁 👃

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