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URLhttps://moveforhunger.org/blog/navigating-expiration-and-best-by-dates-prevent-food-waste
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Meta TitleHas My Food Really Gone Bad? Navigating Expiration and Best By Dates to Prevent Food Waste | Move For Hunger
Meta DescriptionHow do you really know when your food has gone bad? Learn more about navigating expiration and best by dates to prevent food waste in your home.
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Understanding food expiration dates can be tricky. With so many variations of these dates, confusion is likely a large contributor to the 133 billion lbs of food wasted in the United States every year.  It's hard to not wonder: how much of that discarded food was actually still safe to eat? But understanding expiration and best by dates doesn’t have to be hard. Notably, these dates are not mandated by law and are selected by the manufacturer, packer, or distributor. Although there is a criteria based on the product’s shelf life, handling, storage, and preparation, these dates can occasionally lead consumers astray. Below, we shed some light on how you can navigate product shelf life like a seasoned expert and help reduce food waste. Did you know many food items remain safe to eat even after the expiration date listed on the packaging? What do expiration dates mean? You’ve probably seen a variety of expiration dates labeled with “Sell by”, “Use by” and “Best before”. While these all sound the same, they all have slightly different meanings and are used to define the quality of the food rather than the safety dates.  “Sell By” Prepared or fresh food is often labeled with a sell-by date, which retailers use to determine how long the goods should be displayed for sale on the shelves.  Items are generally safe to consume after this date, but they might not taste as good and lose visual appeal. If sealed, dairy products are still good for one week after the sell-by date , while eggs are great for 3-5 weeks.  Unsure if your milk is still good? The best way to determine whether or not your milk is still okay to drink is simply by smelling it. Spoiled milk gives off a distinct, sour odor that is easily detectable. For eggs, try the float test. Simply fill a glass with water, drop your egg in, and let it sink or float. How to determine if your egg is safe to eat: Sinks and lies flat: The egg is absolutely fresh!  Sinks and one end touches the bottom: The egg is a few weeks old but still safe to eat.  Floats: The egg is no longer fresh and should be discarded. “Use By” Use by dates are typically found on canned foods, dry goods, other shelf-stable items, and condiments. This term serves as a guideline for when the food is at its highest quality.  According to the USDA , “Most shelf-stable foods are safe indefinitely. In fact, canned goods will last for years, as long as the can itself is in good condition (no rust, dents, or swelling). Packaged foods (cereal, pasta, cookies) will be safe past the ‘best by’ date, although they may eventually become stale or develop an off flavor.” Keep in mind, cans make a hissing sound when opened because they are vacuum-packed and the noise is a result of air pressure. Although this is normal, if the can hisses loudly or the food spurts out of the can, it means the food is probably unsafe and shouldn’t be eaten.  “Best Before / Best if Used By” Best-by date indicates when a food product will reach its best flavor and quality. Fresh foods that can spoil, such as poultry or veggies are typically labeled with best-before dates.  Food can last for weeks after the best-by date if properly preserved. Best-by-purchase dates can also be seen on nonperishable goods, and they often last for a long time beyond the date if the packaging or can is not destroyed. Packaged foods such as cereal, cookies, or pasta are safe after the best-by date however may adopt a stale taste and flavor.  “Expires By” The expires by  date is the manufacturer's best guess as to when the product will no longer be at its peak quality. As long as the food still smells, tastes, and looks good, it’s most likely still safe to eat! Your senses are really the best determination if food is still good to consume.  You May Still Be Wondering… Can you still donate non-perishable food past its expiration date? While it may be safe to eat, food banks usually won't accept food after its expiration date.  What are the legal requirements for expiration dates? With the exception of baby instant formula, product expiration dates are not required by the law. Dates may be voluntarily applied to meat, poultry, and egg products under the jurisdiction of the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) as long as they are labeled truthfully and in accordance with FSIS regulations. How can I determine if a product is still good after the expiration date?  The best method to determine if a food has gone bad is if it has an off flavor, odor, or texture. Except for instant formula, a product should be safe to consume after its expiration date until spoilage is visible.  Want to learn more about food waste? By clarifying the different date labels and understanding the variations between "best by," "use by," and "sell by" dates, we can make informed judgments about the things we purchase, eat and potentially discard.  Remember that these dates are not chosen at random; they are deliberately calculated to protect consumers and maintain product integrity. Adopting a more conscious attitude towards expiration dates protects your health and contributes to a more sustainable consumption pattern.  So, the next time you come across an expiration date, you'll be armed with knowledge that will empower you to make better decisions in the kitchen and beyond.
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[Reduce Food Waste at Home](https://moveforhunger.org/blog#c:Sustainability%20and%20Food%20Waste|1) - [Join The Network](https://moveforhunger.org/join) - [Movers](https://moveforhunger.org/join/mover-sign-up) - [Multifamily](https://moveforhunger.org/join/multi-family-sign-up) - [Charity Freight](https://moveforhunger.org/join/charity-freight-sign-up) - [Food Recovery](https://moveforhunger.org/food-recovery) - [Support for Food Banks](https://moveforhunger.org/food-bank) - [Partners and Supporters](https://moveforhunger.org/join/partners-and-supporters) - [Learn](https://moveforhunger.org/hunger-facts) - [Hunger Facts](https://moveforhunger.org/hunger-facts) - [Hunger and Homelessness](https://moveforhunger.org/hunger-and-homelessness) - [Food Waste Facts](https://moveforhunger.org/food-waste) - [Hunger as a Racial Equity Issue](https://moveforhunger.org/hunger-is-a-racial-equity-issue) - [Hunger's Disproportionate Impact on Women](https://moveforhunger.org/how-hunger-disproportionately-affects-women) - 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[Donate](https://moveforhunger.org/donate-today) Open Search Overlay [Blog](https://moveforhunger.org/blog) # Has My Food Really Gone Bad? Navigating Expiration and Best By Dates to Prevent Food Waste **December 24, 2024** - Share - [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://moveforhunger.org/blog/navigating-expiration-and-best-by-dates-prevent-food-waste) - [Twitter](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Has%20My%20Food%20Really%20Gone%20Bad?%20Navigating%20Expiration%20and%20Best%20By%20Dates%20to%20Prevent%20Food%20Waste&url=https://moveforhunger.org/blog/navigating-expiration-and-best-by-dates-prevent-food-waste) - [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https://moveforhunger.org/blog/navigating-expiration-and-best-by-dates-prevent-food-waste) - [Email](https://moveforhunger.org/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#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) Understanding food expiration dates can be tricky. With so many variations of these dates, confusion is likely a large contributor to the [133 billion lbs of food wasted](https://www.fda.gov/food/consumers/food-loss-and-waste) in the United States every year. It's hard to not wonder: how much of that discarded food was actually still safe to eat? But [understanding expiration and best by dates](https://moveforhunger.org/food-drive-tips-understanding-expiration-dates) doesn’t have to be hard. Notably, these dates are not mandated by law and are selected by the manufacturer, packer, or distributor. Although there is a criteria based on the product’s shelf life, handling, storage, and preparation, these dates can occasionally lead consumers astray. Below, we shed some light on how you can navigate product shelf life like a seasoned expert and help reduce food waste. **Did you know many food items remain safe to eat even after the expiration date listed on the packaging?** ###### What do expiration dates mean? You’ve probably seen a variety of expiration dates labeled with “Sell by”, “Use by” and “Best before”. While these all sound the same, they all have slightly different meanings and are used to define the quality of the food rather than the safety dates. ###### “Sell By” Prepared or fresh food is often labeled with a **sell-by** date, which retailers use to determine how long the goods should be displayed for sale on the shelves. Items are generally safe to consume after this date, but they might not taste as good and lose visual appeal. If sealed, dairy products are still good for [one week after the sell-by date](https://www.healthyeating.org/nutrition-topics/milk-dairy/storage-handling/drinking-milk-past-its-use-by-date), while eggs are great for 3-5 weeks. Unsure if your milk is still good? The best way to determine whether or not your milk is still okay to drink is simply by smelling it. Spoiled milk gives off a distinct, sour odor that is easily detectable. For eggs, try the float test. Simply fill a glass with water, drop your egg in, and let it sink or float. How to determine if your egg is safe to eat: - Sinks and lies flat: The egg is absolutely fresh\! - Sinks and one end touches the bottom: The egg is a few weeks old but still safe to eat. - Floats: The egg is no longer fresh and should be discarded. ###### “Use By” **Use by** dates are typically found on canned foods, dry goods, other shelf-stable items, and condiments. This term serves as a guideline for when the food is at its highest quality. According to the [USDA](https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2013/06/27/you-toss-food-wait-check-it-out#:~:text=Most%20shelf-stable%20foods%20are,or%20develop%20an%20off%20flavor.), “Most shelf-stable foods are safe indefinitely. In fact, canned goods will last for years, as long as the can itself is in good condition (no rust, dents, or swelling). Packaged foods (cereal, pasta, cookies) will be safe past the ‘best by’ date, although they may eventually become stale or develop an off flavor.” Keep in mind, cans make a hissing sound when opened because they are vacuum-packed and the noise is a result of air pressure. Although this is normal, if the can hisses loudly or the food spurts out of the can, it means the food is probably unsafe and shouldn’t be eaten. ###### “Best Before / Best if Used By” **Best-by date** indicates when a food product will reach its best flavor and quality. Fresh foods that can spoil, such as poultry or veggies are typically labeled with **best-before** dates. Food can last for weeks after the best-by date if properly preserved. Best-by-purchase dates can also be seen on nonperishable goods, and they often last for a long time beyond the date if the packaging or can is not destroyed. Packaged foods such as cereal, cookies, or pasta are safe after the best-by date however may adopt a stale taste and flavor. ###### “Expires By” The **expires by** date is the manufacturer's best guess as to when the product will no longer be at its peak quality. As long as the food still smells, tastes, and looks good, it’s most likely still safe to eat! Your senses are really the best determination if food is still good to consume. ###### You May Still Be Wondering… ###### Can you still donate non-perishable food past its expiration date? While it may be safe to eat, food banks usually won't accept food after its expiration date. ###### What are the legal requirements for expiration dates? With the exception of baby instant formula, product expiration dates are not required by the law. Dates may be voluntarily applied to meat, poultry, and egg products under the jurisdiction of the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) as long as they are labeled truthfully and in accordance with FSIS regulations. ###### How can I determine if a product is still good after the expiration date? The best method to determine if a food has gone bad is if it has an off flavor, odor, or texture. Except for instant formula, a product should be safe to consume after its expiration date until spoilage is visible. ###### Want to learn more about food waste? By clarifying the different date labels and understanding the variations between "best by," "use by," and "sell by" dates, we can make informed judgments about the things we purchase, eat and potentially discard. Remember that these dates are not chosen at random; they are deliberately calculated to protect consumers and maintain product integrity. Adopting a more conscious attitude towards expiration dates protects your health and contributes to a more sustainable consumption pattern. So, the next time you come across an expiration date, you'll be armed with knowledge that will empower you to make better decisions in the kitchen and beyond. Learn more about the [Environmental Impact of Food Waste](https://moveforhunger.org/the-environmental-impact-of-food-waste), [make a zero waste recipe](https://zerowastekitchen.moveforhunger.org/), or find other ways [to take action now](https://moveforhunger.org/take-action)\! **Categories:** [Sustainability & Food Waste](https://moveforhunger.org/blog#c:Sustainability%20&%20Food%20Waste|1) [Sustainability and Food Waste](https://moveforhunger.org/blog#c:Sustainability%20and%20Food%20Waste|1) *** **Support Us** Please consider making a donation to help Move For Hunger organize food drives, coordinate food rescues, raise awareness about hunger & food waste, and expand our network. 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Copyright 2026 - Move For Hunger \| [Privacy Policy](https://moveforhunger.org/privacy-policy) 7 Third Ave Neptune, NJ 07753 \| [(732) 774-0521](tel:732.774.0521)(732) 774-0521 \| EIN: 26-4826262 [![media sponsor](https://moveforhunger.org/application/themes/moveforhunger/assets/images/media_sponsor.png)](https://www.send2press.com/) [Attention Trading](https://www.attentiontrading.com/) Close Search Overlay #### What are you looking for? ##### Quick Links ### Inflation & food insecurity are on the rise Cuts to SNAP benefits and inflation have had a devastating economic impact and filled the lines at food banks and pantries across the country. More than 47 million Americans including 1 in 5 children are struggling with food insecurity and do not know where their next meal is coming from. For people of color and other minorities, the situation is even worse. Hunger disproportionately affects the Black population, the Latinx community, LGBTQ+ individuals, and more. ##### USDA TERMINATES FOOD SECURITY REPORT September 22: The USDA announced termination of future Household Food Security Reports [USDA](https://www.usda.gov/about-usda/news/press-releases/2025/09/20/usda-terminates-redundant-food-insecurity-survey), which had tracked hunger nationwide for nearly 30 years. The most recent data revealed that one in seven households — 47.4 million people, including 13.8 million children — were food insecure. For more than three decades, the report was been the gold standard for measuring whether a household lacks consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy life. “Eliminating data collection strips away the evidence that proves these programs work, where investment is needed, and who is being left out,” Crystal FitzSimons, president, Food Research & Action Center [said in a statement](https://frac.org/news/foodsecuritysurveyterminationsept25). [Read more on the cancellation of food insecurity survey](https://hsph.harvard.edu/news/cancellation-of-food-insecurity-survey-a-blow-to-understanding-hunger-in-u-s/) [Hunger Facts](https://moveforhunger.org/hunger-facts) [How to Fight Hunger](https://moveforhunger.org/blog#c:How%20to%20Fight%20Hunger|1) [Reduce Food Waste at Home](https://moveforhunger.org/blog#c:Sustainability%20and%20Food%20Waste|1) [Top Items for Food Banks](https://moveforhunger.org/top-items-for-food-banks) [Find a Mover](https://moveforhunger.org/find-a-mover) [Our Impact](https://moveforhunger.org/year-in-review-2025) [Move 2 Fight Hunger Challenge\!](https://moveforhunger.org/take-action/move-2-fight-hunger) [Team-Building Events](https://moveforhunger.org/corporate-social-responsibility) [Race Calendar](https://moveforhunger.org/about-our-race-team) [Ways to Give](https://moveforhunger.org/take-action/ways-to-give) AOBA (Apartment and Office Building Association of Metropolitan Washington) Apartment Association of Greater Orlando Apartment Association of Nebraska Arizona Moving Association Arizona MultiFamily Housing Association Arkansas Apartment Association Atlanta Apartment Association Bay Area Apartment Association California Apartment Association California Moving and Storage Association Chicagoland Apartment Association Connecticut Apartment Association Corporate Housing Providers Association Delaware Apartment Association East Bay Rental Housing Association Florida Apartment Association Georgia Apartment Association Greater Cincinnati Northern Kentucky Apartment Association ![](https://moveforhunger.org/application/files/cache/thumbnails/eb44df1316c72dc15937a37c1438b542.jpg) [![CORT Furniture Logo](https://moveforhunger.org/application/files/cache/thumbnails/bf492ab12add5ba91d90e1058648315f.png)](https://www.cort.com/) Olivia Smith Corporate Engagement Coordinator [Phone Ext. 116](tel:7327740521) **Phone Ext. 116** [Let's Connect](https://www.linkedin.com/in/--olivia--smith/) [![Chadwell Supply Logo](https://moveforhunger.org/application/files/cache/thumbnails/3aa3a6941111b31d680621460b58ed36.png)](https://www.unitedvanlines.com/) ![](https://px.ads.linkedin.com/collect/?pid=6366138&fmt=gif)
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Understanding food expiration dates can be tricky. With so many variations of these dates, confusion is likely a large contributor to the [133 billion lbs of food wasted](https://www.fda.gov/food/consumers/food-loss-and-waste) in the United States every year. It's hard to not wonder: how much of that discarded food was actually still safe to eat? But [understanding expiration and best by dates](https://moveforhunger.org/food-drive-tips-understanding-expiration-dates) doesn’t have to be hard. Notably, these dates are not mandated by law and are selected by the manufacturer, packer, or distributor. Although there is a criteria based on the product’s shelf life, handling, storage, and preparation, these dates can occasionally lead consumers astray. Below, we shed some light on how you can navigate product shelf life like a seasoned expert and help reduce food waste. **Did you know many food items remain safe to eat even after the expiration date listed on the packaging?** What do expiration dates mean? You’ve probably seen a variety of expiration dates labeled with “Sell by”, “Use by” and “Best before”. While these all sound the same, they all have slightly different meanings and are used to define the quality of the food rather than the safety dates. “Sell By” Prepared or fresh food is often labeled with a **sell-by** date, which retailers use to determine how long the goods should be displayed for sale on the shelves. Items are generally safe to consume after this date, but they might not taste as good and lose visual appeal. If sealed, dairy products are still good for [one week after the sell-by date](https://www.healthyeating.org/nutrition-topics/milk-dairy/storage-handling/drinking-milk-past-its-use-by-date), while eggs are great for 3-5 weeks. Unsure if your milk is still good? The best way to determine whether or not your milk is still okay to drink is simply by smelling it. Spoiled milk gives off a distinct, sour odor that is easily detectable. For eggs, try the float test. Simply fill a glass with water, drop your egg in, and let it sink or float. How to determine if your egg is safe to eat: - Sinks and lies flat: The egg is absolutely fresh\! - Sinks and one end touches the bottom: The egg is a few weeks old but still safe to eat. - Floats: The egg is no longer fresh and should be discarded. “Use By” **Use by** dates are typically found on canned foods, dry goods, other shelf-stable items, and condiments. This term serves as a guideline for when the food is at its highest quality. According to the [USDA](https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2013/06/27/you-toss-food-wait-check-it-out#:~:text=Most%20shelf-stable%20foods%20are,or%20develop%20an%20off%20flavor.), “Most shelf-stable foods are safe indefinitely. In fact, canned goods will last for years, as long as the can itself is in good condition (no rust, dents, or swelling). Packaged foods (cereal, pasta, cookies) will be safe past the ‘best by’ date, although they may eventually become stale or develop an off flavor.” Keep in mind, cans make a hissing sound when opened because they are vacuum-packed and the noise is a result of air pressure. Although this is normal, if the can hisses loudly or the food spurts out of the can, it means the food is probably unsafe and shouldn’t be eaten. “Best Before / Best if Used By” **Best-by date** indicates when a food product will reach its best flavor and quality. Fresh foods that can spoil, such as poultry or veggies are typically labeled with **best-before** dates. Food can last for weeks after the best-by date if properly preserved. Best-by-purchase dates can also be seen on nonperishable goods, and they often last for a long time beyond the date if the packaging or can is not destroyed. Packaged foods such as cereal, cookies, or pasta are safe after the best-by date however may adopt a stale taste and flavor. “Expires By” The **expires by** date is the manufacturer's best guess as to when the product will no longer be at its peak quality. As long as the food still smells, tastes, and looks good, it’s most likely still safe to eat! Your senses are really the best determination if food is still good to consume. You May Still Be Wondering… Can you still donate non-perishable food past its expiration date? While it may be safe to eat, food banks usually won't accept food after its expiration date. What are the legal requirements for expiration dates? With the exception of baby instant formula, product expiration dates are not required by the law. Dates may be voluntarily applied to meat, poultry, and egg products under the jurisdiction of the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) as long as they are labeled truthfully and in accordance with FSIS regulations. How can I determine if a product is still good after the expiration date? The best method to determine if a food has gone bad is if it has an off flavor, odor, or texture. Except for instant formula, a product should be safe to consume after its expiration date until spoilage is visible. Want to learn more about food waste? By clarifying the different date labels and understanding the variations between "best by," "use by," and "sell by" dates, we can make informed judgments about the things we purchase, eat and potentially discard. Remember that these dates are not chosen at random; they are deliberately calculated to protect consumers and maintain product integrity. Adopting a more conscious attitude towards expiration dates protects your health and contributes to a more sustainable consumption pattern. So, the next time you come across an expiration date, you'll be armed with knowledge that will empower you to make better decisions in the kitchen and beyond.
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