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Thurston County Extension
Food Safety: Package Food
You’re Never Too Old or Young for The Dating Game
The Olympia, March 4, 1998
Play the Dating Game this week! Take some time to look around your kitchen and pantry for packaged food products with printed dates. While printed package dates may help in assessing quality, they can also be confusing.
This week, the answers to some of these product dating questions will help you make the most of the things you have to eat around your home.
Question: Do product dates indicate safety?
Answer: No. Dates on most product packages indicate a recommended purchase date or use date. They indicate best quality of product, but do not indicate that a product is safe to eat.
Question: Why aren’t all products dated?
Answer: Product dating is voluntary with the exception of infant formula and some baby foods. Federal regulations require that these products are dated.
Some 20 states require calendar dating on some perishable foods. When you start looking for product dating, you’ll be surprised at how often you find that the products you purchase have this added customer benefit. Most of the time, product dating indicates the day and the month.
Question: Sometimes I see outdated products on supermarket shelves. Is this legal?
Answer: Since most product dating is voluntary, stores may sell outdated items for the most part. However, with the competition for your continued business, many stores will discount those items. If you purchase outdated products, you may notice some quality differences. And, make certain you use the products in a timely manner.
Question: There seem to be many types of dates used on food products. Could you explain them?
Answer: The "sell by" date indicates how long a store may display the food product for sale to you. You should try to buy "sell by" products several days before that date. This gives you a few days to use the product and still be assured of high quality.
"Best if used by" is a recommended use date that will give you the best flavor and quality. It is not a purchase or a safety date.
"Use by" date is the last date recommended for use of the food product.
And, "closed or coded date" are packing numbers for use by the manufacturer that indicate to the store employees when to rotate the stocked shelves. This "coded date" is also used by manufacturers, consumers, and stores when food products are recalled.
Question: Can dates be changed?
Answer: Product dates on federally inspected foods can not be altered, changed, or covered up on the package. However, if the product is still considered wholesome under law, it may be offered for sale with the expired date visible to the consumer.
Question: I checked my refrigerator and my carton of eggs has passed the Expiration Date. Can I use them?
Answer: Eggs have a relatively long shelf life when refrigerated. As long as you purchase the carton before the date expires, you will be able to use the eggs in the next three to five weeks and have both a product that is safe and of high quality.
B. Susie Craig
Area Faculty
WSU Cooperative Extension Thurston County
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