🕷️ Crawler Inspector

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Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 121 (from laksa179)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa121.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.bhg.com/news/expiration-dates/\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.bhg.com/news/expiration-dates/\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.bhg.com\/news\/expiration-dates\/","crawl_time":1775556878,"first_indexed_time":1552107870,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,bhg!www,\/news\/expiration-dates\/ s443","src_root_hash":"9287969274374029321","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"Can I Eat Food Past Its Expiration Date? Here's What Experts Say","meta_descriptions":["Food that has reached its expiration date does not need to be tossed immediately. Here's what food safety expert say about product date labeling."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Key Takeaways\nFood expiration dates are more about quality than safety, except for infant formula.\nMany foods are safe to consume past their expiration date if they show no signs of spoilage.\nDifferent date labels like \"best by,\" \"sell by,\" and \"use by\" have distinct meanings primarily related to quality.\nExpiration dates are common on almost every food item, including things that you wouldn't think would ever expire, such as salt and sugar. We've all purged our refrigerators of yogurts a few days past their \"best by\" date and dug through the bread shelf at the store to try and find a fresher loaf with a later expiration date. But obviously, a bag of chips with a \"use by\" date of March 10 isn't automatically unsafe to eat on March 11.\nTo get clarity, we asked food safety experts about the point of expiration dates.\nJanilyn Hutchings\nis a food scientist and certified professional in food safety at\nStateFoodSafety\n, a food safety certification and training program.\nJennifer Kaplan\nis a former food systems instructor at the Culinary Institute of America in St. Helena, California.\nDr. Luiza Petre\nis a cardiologist also specializing in nutrition, weight management, and wellness.\nThe Meaning of Food Expiration Dates\nFood expiration dates don't have as much to do with food safety as you'd think, and the chances of getting sick from eating a yogurt a couple of days past its expiration date are pretty slim. This is because, except for infant formula, expiration dates aren't required or regulated by law on products and are determined by the manufacturer.\nQuality vs. Safety\n\"Food dating is more about food quality than food safety,\" says Janilyn Hutchings, a food scientist and certified professional in food safety who works for StateFoodSafety. \"With the exception of baby formula, the food dating system is not government-regulated or standardized, so the dates printed on most items are actually suggestions from the manufacturer to help you know when the product is at its best quality.\"\nAccording to Jennifer Kaplan, former food systems instructor at the Culinary Institute of America, expiration dates are \"a manufacturer's vague estimate of when the product is at its 'freshest.' Many foods will still be good to eat days, weeks, or months after those dates,\" she says.\nThis doesn't necessarily mean you should completely ignore expiration dates, but think of them more as guidelines than as hard rules about when food is safe to eat.\n\"It is safest not to use food after the \"Use by\" date because expired food is more likely to be spoiled,\" Hutchings says. \"If the food has become rancid or spoiled, no amount of cooking can guarantee the food will be safe to eat.\"\nFoods Whose Expiration Dates Matter\nThere are obviously some risks to consider when it comes to eating expired food. For example, canned foods and non-perishable products are likely to last long past their expiration dates, but you should pay more attention to the expiration dates on foods that spoil more easily, like fresh fruits and vegetables, or eggs. If you do eat spoiled food, you could become seriously sick.\nYour food can become less nutritious the longer it sits around. That's one of the reasons the U.S. Department of Agriculture does regulate the expiration dates on infant formula—past the expiration date, there's no guarantee that the formula matches the nutrition information on the packaging.\nWatch for Signs of Spoilage\nYou should immediately toss out any food that's growing mold, or that has an odor. \"Always watch for warning signs like odors, flavors, and colors that don't look, smell, or taste right, and discard immediately, regardless of the date on the label,\" says Dr. Luiza Petre, a cardiologist who also specializes in nutrition, weight management, and wellness.\n\"The sniff test remains the best gauge,\" Kaplan says, so if it looks and smells good, your food is still probably safe to eat.\nIf food isn't properly stored or packaged, it can go bad even before the expiration date.\nWhat to Do With Expired Food\nAs long as you aren't seeing any signs of spoilage, most foods should still be good to eat well past their expiration dates (good news for that bottle of ketchup in your fridge).\n\"Non-perishables can be kept and consumed past the expiration date with only taste, quality, and nutrition compromised,\" Petre says. So while non-perishables, like chips, might go stale over time, they shouldn't be unsafe to eat after their expiration.\nAnd according to the USDA, you can even donate food after the expiration date has passed.\nThere's no guarantee that food banks will use them (they'll evaluate your donated items on their own), but if there aren't any signs that the food has spoiled, it should still be safe to eat.\nDifferent Date-Labeling Phrases\nSince expiration dates are decided by the manufacturer, there's no standard that's used across the board, which is why you'll see \"best by,\" \"use by,\" \"sell by,\" and other variations. Each one means something a little different, but none are true \"expiration\" dates, so don't toss your groceries if you have something a day or two past its stamped-on date.\n'Best by' Date\nAccording to Hutchings, \"The 'best by' date gives the consumer a deadline for when the product will have the best flavor or quality.\"\nProducts past their \"best by\" dates should still be safe to eat (as long there aren't any signs of spoilage), but they might taste a little less than fresh since they're the manufacturer's best estimate of when their product will still be the best quality.\n'Sell by' Date\nIn contrast, \"sell by\" dates are really more for stores than consumers. According to the USDA, \"sell by\" dates tell grocery stores and other retailers how long the product should be on display and available for sale. It's also not a measure of safety, and most products should be good even after the \"sell by\" date has passed.\n'Use by' Date\n\"The 'use by' date tells the consumer the last date the product will be at its peak quality,\" Hutchings says. And according the USDA, \"use by\" dates are only a measure of safety when they're used on infant formula. All other products should still be safe to eat.\nIt's best to err on the side of caution to avoid getting sick, so if you have any doubts about the safety or quality of your food, toss it out. But if you have a carton of yogurt that's just past its \"best by\" date, you don't have to let it go to waste.","attrs_markdown":"\n\n[Skip to content](https:\/\/www.bhg.com\/news\/expiration-dates\/#main)\n\n[Better Homes & Gardens](https:\/\/www.bhg.com\/)\n\n- Please fill out this field.\n- Magazine\n  - [Subscribe](https:\/\/www.bhg.com\/news\/expiration-dates\/)\n  - [Manage Your Subscription](https:\/\/w1.buysub.com\/pubs\/MR\/BHG\/Login_No_API.jsp?cds_page_id=103259&cds_mag_code=BHG&id=1541558708416&lsid=83102045084011052&vid=1)\n  - [Give a Gift Subscription](https:\/\/www.magazines.com\/better-homes-gardens-magazine.html?gift=true&utm_source=bhg.com&utm_medium=owned&utm_campaign=i208bhr5w2924)\n  - [Get Help](https:\/\/www.bhg.com\/about-better-homes-and-gardens-5525299#toc-contact-us)\n  - [BHG Books](https:\/\/www.magazines.com\/better-homes-and-gardens-books)\n- [Newsletters](https:\/\/www.bhg.com\/news\/expiration-dates\/)\n- [Sweepstakes](https:\/\/www.bhg.com\/sweepstakes)\n- [Subscribe](https:\/\/www.bhg.com\/news\/expiration-dates\/)\n- [My Saves](https:\/\/www.myrecipes.com\/)\n\nPlease fill out this field.\n\n- [Decorating](https:\/\/www.bhg.com\/decorating-and-design-5545967)\n  Decorating\n  \n  - 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Here's What Experts Say\nYou don't have to immediately toss anything that's \"expired.\"\n\nBy\n\n[Andrea Beck](https:\/\/www.bhg.com\/author\/andrea-beck\/)\n\n![Andrea Beck headshot]()\n\n![Andrea Beck headshot](https:\/\/www.bhg.com\/thmb\/biLsvLSIxWmPb2qWa9lertSI3M0=\/75x75\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):strip_icc\\(\\)\/Beck-Headshot-7d14c05f83d6491393c246d443b5961a.jpg)\n\n[Andrea Beck](https:\/\/www.bhg.com\/author\/andrea-beck\/)\n\nAndrea Beck served as garden editor at BHG and her work has appeared on Food & Wine, Martha Stewart, MyRecipes, and more.\n\n[Learn about BHG's Editorial Process](https:\/\/www.bhg.com\/better-homes-and-gardens-editorial-policy-and-standards-5537160)\n\nUpdated on October 7, 2025\n\nFact checked by\n\n[Marcus Reeves](https:\/\/www.bhg.com\/author\/marcus-reeves\/)\n\n![Photo of writer and fact checker Marcus Reeves]()\n\n![Photo of writer and fact checker Marcus Reeves](https:\/\/www.bhg.com\/thmb\/Q74dtzGLgf8UFQgZTUIrOsPT67o=\/75x75\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):strip_icc\\(\\)\/MarcusCoverShot-6334ea1001684f06aefe8c0f61eef033-275ac15c98d649b7a15f14e13bb9d7bb.jpg)\n\nFact checked by [Marcus Reeves](https:\/\/www.bhg.com\/author\/marcus-reeves\/)\n\nMarcus Reeves is an experienced writer, publisher, and fact-checker. He began his writing career reporting for The Source magazine. His writing has appeared in The New York Times, Playboy, The Washington Post, and Rolling Stone, among other publications. His book Somebody Scream: Rap Music's Rise to Prominence in the Aftershock of Black Power was nominated for a Zora Neale Hurston Award. He is an adjunct instructor at New York University, where he teaches writing and communications. Marcus received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey.\n\n[Learn about BHG's Fact Checking Process](https:\/\/www.bhg.com\/about-better-homes-and-gardens-5525299#toc-fact-checking)\n\nClose\n\n### Key Takeaways\n- Food expiration dates are more about quality than safety, except for infant formula.\n- Many foods are safe to consume past their expiration date if they show no signs of spoilage.\n- Different date labels like \"best by,\" \"sell by,\" and \"use by\" have distinct meanings primarily related to quality.\n\nExpiration dates are common on almost every food item, including things that you wouldn't think would ever expire, such as salt and sugar. We've all purged our refrigerators of yogurts a few days past their \"best by\" date and dug through the bread shelf at the store to try and find a fresher loaf with a later expiration date. But obviously, a bag of chips with a \"use by\" date of March 10 isn't automatically unsafe to eat on March 11.\n\nTo get clarity, we asked food safety experts about the point of expiration dates.\n\n![Refrigerator door stocked with groceries]()\n\n![Refrigerator door stocked with groceries](https:\/\/www.bhg.com\/thmb\/msYKasT4kzfbc7t3RDQnUUmbVFs=\/610x0\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):strip_icc\\(\\)\/Stocked-refrigerator-door-f0e03b60fa1c465eb8ed28f60e156b88.jpg)\n\n- **Janilyn Hutchings** is a food scientist and certified professional in food safety at [StateFoodSafety](https:\/\/www.statefoodsafety.com\/), a food safety certification and training program.\n- **Jennifer Kaplan** is a former food systems instructor at the Culinary Institute of America in St. Helena, California.\n- **[Dr. Luiza Petre](http:\/\/www.luizapetremd.com\/)** is a cardiologist also specializing in nutrition, weight management, and wellness.\n## The Meaning of Food Expiration Dates\nFood expiration dates don't have as much to do with food safety as you'd think, and the chances of getting sick from eating a yogurt a couple of days past its expiration date are pretty slim. This is because, except for infant formula, expiration dates aren't required or regulated by law on products and are determined by the manufacturer.\n\n### Quality vs. Safety\n\"Food dating is more about food quality than food safety,\" says Janilyn Hutchings, a food scientist and certified professional in food safety who works for StateFoodSafety. \"With the exception of baby formula, the food dating system is not government-regulated or standardized, so the dates printed on most items are actually suggestions from the manufacturer to help you know when the product is at its best quality.\"\n\nAccording to Jennifer Kaplan, former food systems instructor at the Culinary Institute of America, expiration dates are \"a manufacturer's vague estimate of when the product is at its 'freshest.' Many foods will still be good to eat days, weeks, or months after those dates,\" she says.\n\nThis doesn't necessarily mean you should completely ignore expiration dates, but think of them more as guidelines than as hard rules about when food is safe to eat.\n\n\"It is safest not to use food after the \"Use by\" date because expired food is more likely to be spoiled,\" Hutchings says. \"If the food has become rancid or spoiled, no amount of cooking can guarantee the food will be safe to eat.\"\n\n## Foods Whose Expiration Dates Matter\nThere are obviously some risks to consider when it comes to eating expired food. For example, canned foods and non-perishable products are likely to last long past their expiration dates, but you should pay more attention to the expiration dates on foods that spoil more easily, like fresh fruits and vegetables, or eggs. If you do eat spoiled food, you could become seriously sick.\n\nYour food can become less nutritious the longer it sits around. That's one of the reasons the U.S. Department of Agriculture does regulate the expiration dates on infant formula—past the expiration date, there's no guarantee that the formula matches the nutrition information on the packaging.\n\n## Watch for Signs of Spoilage\nYou should immediately toss out any food that's growing mold, or that has an odor. \"Always watch for warning signs like odors, flavors, and colors that don't look, smell, or taste right, and discard immediately, regardless of the date on the label,\" says Dr. Luiza Petre, a cardiologist who also specializes in nutrition, weight management, and wellness.\n\n\"The sniff test remains the best gauge,\" Kaplan says, so if it looks and smells good, your food is still probably safe to eat.\n\nIf food isn't properly stored or packaged, it can go bad even before the expiration date.\n\n[10 Foods You Didn’t Know You Should Store in the Fridge](https:\/\/www.bhg.com\/recipes\/how-to\/cooking-basics\/store-foods-in-fridge\/)\n\n## What to Do With Expired Food\nAs long as you aren't seeing any signs of spoilage, most foods should still be good to eat well past their expiration dates (good news for that bottle of ketchup in your fridge).\n\n\"Non-perishables can be kept and consumed past the expiration date with only taste, quality, and nutrition compromised,\" Petre says. So while non-perishables, like chips, might go stale over time, they shouldn't be unsafe to eat after their expiration.\n\nAnd according to the USDA, you can even donate food after the expiration date has passed. There's no guarantee that food banks will use them (they'll evaluate your donated items on their own), but if there aren't any signs that the food has spoiled, it should still be safe to eat.\n\n## Different Date-Labeling Phrases\nSince expiration dates are decided by the manufacturer, there's no standard that's used across the board, which is why you'll see \"best by,\" \"use by,\" \"sell by,\" and other variations. Each one means something a little different, but none are true \"expiration\" dates, so don't toss your groceries if you have something a day or two past its stamped-on date.\n\n### 'Best by' Date\nAccording to Hutchings, \"The 'best by' date gives the consumer a deadline for when the product will have the best flavor or quality.\"\n\nProducts past their \"best by\" dates should still be safe to eat (as long there aren't any signs of spoilage), but they might taste a little less than fresh since they're the manufacturer's best estimate of when their product will still be the best quality.\n\n[What Is Shelf-Stable Milk, and Why Doesn't It Need Refrigeration?](https:\/\/www.bhg.com\/recipes\/how-to\/cooking-basics\/what-is-shelf-stable-milk\/)\n\n### 'Sell by' Date\nIn contrast, \"sell by\" dates are really more for stores than consumers. According to the USDA, \"sell by\" dates tell grocery stores and other retailers how long the product should be on display and available for sale. It's also not a measure of safety, and most products should be good even after the \"sell by\" date has passed.\n\n### 'Use by' Date\n\"The 'use by' date tells the consumer the last date the product will be at its peak quality,\" Hutchings says. And according the USDA, \"use by\" dates are only a measure of safety when they're used on infant formula. All other products should still be safe to eat.\n\nIt's best to err on the side of caution to avoid getting sick, so if you have any doubts about the safety or quality of your food, toss it out. But if you have a carton of yogurt that's just past its \"best by\" date, you don't have to let it go to waste.\n\nExplore more:\n\n- [News](https:\/\/www.bhg.com\/news\/)\n\nWas this page helpful?\n\nThanks for your feedback\\!\n\nTell us why\\!\n\nOther\n\nSources\n\nBetter Homes & Gardens is committed to using high-quality, reputable sources—including peer-reviewed studies—to support the facts in our articles. Read about our [editorial policies and standards](https:\/\/www.bhg.com\/better-homes-and-gardens-editorial-policy-and-standards-5537160) to learn more about how we fact check our content for accuracy.\n\n1. [\"Food Product Dating.\"](https:\/\/www.fsis.usda.gov\/food-safety\/safe-food-handling-and-preparation\/food-safety-basics\/food-product-dating#:~:text=Manufacturers%20provide%20dating%20to%20help,not%20required%20by%20Federal%20law.) U.S. Department of Agriculture.\n2. [\"What Does the Use By Date Mean on Infant Formula Product Labels.\"](https:\/\/ask.usda.gov\/s\/article\/What-does-the-use-by-date-mean-on-infant-formula-product-labels#:~:text=Information&text=Federal%20regulations%20require%20a%20%22use,as%20described%20on%20the%20label.) U.S. Department of Agriculture.\n\n## Related Articles\n[![Carton of eggs on blue background]() ![Carton of eggs on blue background](https:\/\/www.bhg.com\/thmb\/DexpSJ_2iaxn4RmyV92u599I8j4=\/282x188\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):strip_icc\\(\\)\/bhg-eggs-carton-blue-background-100fb5e34ccf4f22ad091d9c5d3ca9a8.jpg) Should You Be Cooking Eggs Differently? What You Need to Know About Eggs and the Bird Flu Right Now](https:\/\/www.bhg.com\/bird-flu-and-eggs-summer-2024-8663690)\n\n[![baking supplies in clear canisters]() ![baking supplies in clear canisters](https:\/\/www.bhg.com\/thmb\/BoLkM3W7s-nYh0KNs8Xs2RaKF-Q=\/282x188\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):strip_icc\\(\\)\/bhg-baking-supplies-8704874-18a27a039fc745819445894cbeffff67.png) Do Baking Supplies Expire? From Flour to Salt, Here's When They Go Bad](https:\/\/www.bhg.com\/baking-supplies-expire-8704874)\n\n[![ends cut off green onions]() ![ends cut off green onions](https:\/\/www.bhg.com\/thmb\/c3V90YFizKcG27oEir9PQKw-KCg=\/282x188\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):strip_icc\\(\\)\/bhg-green-onion-ends-8691848-14f69ead6efc4d18ab5aa78dbbe48a84.png) 17 Fruit and Vegetable Scraps You Shouldn’t Toss—and What to Do with Them Instead](https:\/\/www.bhg.com\/food-scraps-not-to-toss-8691848)\n\n[![Separating egg white and yolk over bowl]() ![Separating egg white and yolk over bowl](https:\/\/www.bhg.com\/thmb\/efhFqDVbFkgRU_P3Zgl0Grr9Vdc=\/282x188\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):strip_icc\\(\\)\/BHG-how-to-tell-if-eggs-bad-step-03-0473_EdqwvAoRqa59ttQFvJZPsT-1c4f9091af044e1ab926508188477611.jpg) Do Eggs Expire? Food Safety Experts Reveal How Long They \\*Really\\* Last](https:\/\/www.bhg.com\/do-eggs-expire-11680762)\n\n[![Kerrygold butter with toast]() ![Kerrygold butter with toast](https:\/\/www.bhg.com\/thmb\/ZeyXQBI8yk-DwqdEN2bR4Bmm8Bc=\/282x188\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):strip_icc\\(\\)\/kerrygold-butter-toast-7TjYNaB4a1j8RwfV74fPPt-482afee5acd44bce9718f8b0aaead1dc.jpg) How to Use Irish Butter and Why](https:\/\/www.bhg.com\/recipes\/how-to\/best-irish-butter-use\/)\n\n[![Black garlic in wooden spoon]() ![Black garlic in wooden spoon](https:\/\/www.bhg.com\/thmb\/YNq_8R4aF-L9k8vbfJJtcxOiQhg=\/282x188\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):strip_icc\\(\\)\/bhg-black-garlic-7375687-7740da6e31cd447f812cb69729e99504.jpg) Why Black Garlic Is Loved by Chefs and Health Professionals Alike](https:\/\/www.bhg.com\/black-garlic-7375687)\n\n[![A bowl with chunks of beef tallow next to a bowl of beef broth]() ![A bowl with chunks of beef tallow next to a bowl of beef broth](https:\/\/www.bhg.com\/thmb\/eCij3Vl4GNOnoaY_KnFsZJhyEPg=\/282x188\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):strip_icc\\(\\)\/BHG-Beef-Broth-and-Beef-Tallow-GettyImages-920106430-4067dc32e58b413dbc35dcd6bb29e887.jpg) Beef Tallow Is Back—but Is This Retro Cooking Fat Worth the Hype?](https:\/\/www.bhg.com\/beef-tallow-is-back-pros-cons-11764623)\n\n[![trader joe's conversation hearts boxes on neutral background with pink border]() ![trader joe's conversation hearts boxes on neutral background with pink border](https:\/\/www.bhg.com\/thmb\/0gqlNh1hHK-Aa8KRJBmCgZlUMuY=\/282x188\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):strip_icc\\(\\)\/bhg-tjs-convo-hearts-8787793-66eaf2686ec04c6bb5976d688bc9748c.png) The Controversy Behind These Conversation Hearts Will Have You Talking](https:\/\/www.bhg.com\/trader-joes-conversation-hearts-8787793)\n\n[![two ziploc bags filled with almonds and other containers of nuts behind it]() ![two ziploc bags filled with almonds and other containers of nuts behind it](https:\/\/www.bhg.com\/thmb\/Rjee7NLWHa2woD-C3nf9AllFBIY=\/282x188\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):strip_icc\\(\\)\/GettyImages-1310833061-41b56a55e9d2401cb49776ddf5b37133.jpg) These Are the Dos and Don'ts for Reusing Ziploc Bags](https:\/\/www.bhg.com\/reusing-ziploc-bags-8720352)\n\n[![Meredith Hayden from Wishbone Kitchen sitting on a pink sofa in a green dress..]() ![Meredith Hayden from Wishbone Kitchen sitting on a pink sofa in a green dress..](https:\/\/www.bhg.com\/thmb\/jXuBbCv3b-KgoENVF2cZz-wDZzw=\/282x188\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):strip_icc\\(\\)\/BHG-Meredith-Hayden-606-recircD-83VEZGZTqrK8VuQVjl9uZ6-f845f380593141e084343e3e3ff6065d.jpg) Wishbone Kitchen’s Meredith Hayden Wants You to Make Every Gathering a Little Luxe](https:\/\/www.bhg.com\/wishbone-kitchen-meredith-hayden-cover-story-11694677)\n\n[![kristen kish in red jumpsuit]() ![kristen kish in red jumpsuit](https:\/\/www.bhg.com\/thmb\/O4X7hM5BcENcXb5cjOqnZoonYH4=\/282x188\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):strip_icc\\(\\)\/bhg-kristen-kish-house-rules-recirc-f12cc09321f1455db817d7cbb35957e4.png) Kristen Kish Says You Should Cook with Emotion—and Always Stock Up on This Pantry Item](https:\/\/www.bhg.com\/house-rules-kristen-kish-8422870)\n\n[![picnic with basket of fruit, book, croissants on plaid red and white blanket]() ![picnic with basket of fruit, book, croissants on plaid red and white blanket](https:\/\/www.bhg.com\/thmb\/F_xqg_72Oa3L3Bxi6AxKHBJJDGI=\/282x188\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):strip_icc\\(\\)\/bhg-solo-summer-date-11769681-dc06c678717f49b58f6367bf9dcfdd0a.png) A Solo Summer Date Is Just What You Need to Slow Down and Savor the Season](https:\/\/www.bhg.com\/solo-summer-date-11769681)\n\n[![word art yall above leather dining room banquette and bistro table]() ![word art yall above leather dining room banquette and bistro table](https:\/\/www.bhg.com\/thmb\/gYwh5941boNnZFCApRlxRYvBpVs=\/282x188\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):strip_icc\\(\\)\/MarieCloud-177a0723a69041be93fdf31337489dbe.png) Here’s Why Word Art Still Has a Place in Your Home](https:\/\/www.bhg.com\/decorating-with-word-art-8733441)\n\n[![tabitha brown holding plate of food outside in colorful yard]() ![tabitha brown holding plate of food outside in colorful yard](https:\/\/www.bhg.com\/thmb\/eGKeadAfdUlzIU30cUCX2SqdwSw=\/282x188\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):strip_icc\\(\\)\/bhg-tabitha-brown-grilling-8673652-d745d40a153b4e448056d3b401c63a04.jpg) How Tabitha Brown Makes Grilling Vegan-Friendly, Just in Time for the 4th of July](https:\/\/www.bhg.com\/tabitha-brown-vegan-grilling-8673652)\n\n[![Susan Sarandon, Talia Shire, Lorraine Bracco, and Brenda Vaccaro in upcoming Netflix movie NONNAS]() ![Susan Sarandon, Talia Shire, Lorraine Bracco, and Brenda Vaccaro in upcoming Netflix movie NONNAS](https:\/\/www.bhg.com\/thmb\/yEBnlyi72kevkYWayl_AQvikT8Q=\/282x188\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):strip_icc\\(\\)\/bhg-nonnas-netflix-movie-sneak-peek-restaurant-kitchen-00c7cc1bb579494f85b804f31e4c7512.jpg) This New Netflix Movie Is a Love Letter to Mothers, Grandmothers, and Family Recipes](https:\/\/www.bhg.com\/netflix-nonnas-movie-sneak-peek-11710955)\n\n[![curved kitchen island in white and wood kitchen]() ![curved kitchen island in white and wood kitchen](https:\/\/www.bhg.com\/thmb\/i_wxLt6uU1SN1aUyP9l54GWi5o0=\/282x188\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):strip_icc\\(\\)\/AshleyMontgomeryDesign-68ec873b0636440ebc87a851431cd59d.jpg) Curved Kitchen Islands Are a Top 2023 Kitchen Design Trend](https:\/\/www.bhg.com\/curved-kitchen-island-ideas-7112335)\n\n[Better Homes & Gardens](https:\/\/www.bhg.com\/)\n\n[Newsletters](https:\/\/www.bhg.com\/news\/expiration-dates\/)\n\nFollow Us\n\n- [Decorating](https:\/\/www.bhg.com\/decorating-and-design-5545967)\n- [Home 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Us](https:\/\/www.people.inc\/contact)\n- [Advertise](https:\/\/www.people.inc\/advertising)\n\nBetter Homes & Gardens is part of the [People Inc.](https:\/\/www.people.inc\/) publishing family.\n\nMyrecipes Dialog\n\nNewsletter Sign Up\n\nNewsletter Sign Up","attrs_readable_markdown":"### Key Takeaways\n- Food expiration dates are more about quality than safety, except for infant formula.\n- Many foods are safe to consume past their expiration date if they show no signs of spoilage.\n- Different date labels like \"best by,\" \"sell by,\" and \"use by\" have distinct meanings primarily related to quality.\n\nExpiration dates are common on almost every food item, including things that you wouldn't think would ever expire, such as salt and sugar. We've all purged our refrigerators of yogurts a few days past their \"best by\" date and dug through the bread shelf at the store to try and find a fresher loaf with a later expiration date. But obviously, a bag of chips with a \"use by\" date of March 10 isn't automatically unsafe to eat on March 11.\n\nTo get clarity, we asked food safety experts about the point of expiration dates.\n\n- **Janilyn Hutchings** is a food scientist and certified professional in food safety at [StateFoodSafety](https:\/\/www.statefoodsafety.com\/), a food safety certification and training program.\n- **Jennifer Kaplan** is a former food systems instructor at the Culinary Institute of America in St. Helena, California.\n- **[Dr. Luiza Petre](http:\/\/www.luizapetremd.com\/)** is a cardiologist also specializing in nutrition, weight management, and wellness.\n## The Meaning of Food Expiration Dates\nFood expiration dates don't have as much to do with food safety as you'd think, and the chances of getting sick from eating a yogurt a couple of days past its expiration date are pretty slim. This is because, except for infant formula, expiration dates aren't required or regulated by law on products and are determined by the manufacturer.\n\n### Quality vs. Safety\n\"Food dating is more about food quality than food safety,\" says Janilyn Hutchings, a food scientist and certified professional in food safety who works for StateFoodSafety. \"With the exception of baby formula, the food dating system is not government-regulated or standardized, so the dates printed on most items are actually suggestions from the manufacturer to help you know when the product is at its best quality.\"\n\nAccording to Jennifer Kaplan, former food systems instructor at the Culinary Institute of America, expiration dates are \"a manufacturer's vague estimate of when the product is at its 'freshest.' Many foods will still be good to eat days, weeks, or months after those dates,\" she says.\n\nThis doesn't necessarily mean you should completely ignore expiration dates, but think of them more as guidelines than as hard rules about when food is safe to eat.\n\n\"It is safest not to use food after the \"Use by\" date because expired food is more likely to be spoiled,\" Hutchings says. \"If the food has become rancid or spoiled, no amount of cooking can guarantee the food will be safe to eat.\"\n\n## Foods Whose Expiration Dates Matter\nThere are obviously some risks to consider when it comes to eating expired food. For example, canned foods and non-perishable products are likely to last long past their expiration dates, but you should pay more attention to the expiration dates on foods that spoil more easily, like fresh fruits and vegetables, or eggs. If you do eat spoiled food, you could become seriously sick.\n\nYour food can become less nutritious the longer it sits around. That's one of the reasons the U.S. Department of Agriculture does regulate the expiration dates on infant formula—past the expiration date, there's no guarantee that the formula matches the nutrition information on the packaging.\n\n## Watch for Signs of Spoilage\nYou should immediately toss out any food that's growing mold, or that has an odor. \"Always watch for warning signs like odors, flavors, and colors that don't look, smell, or taste right, and discard immediately, regardless of the date on the label,\" says Dr. Luiza Petre, a cardiologist who also specializes in nutrition, weight management, and wellness.\n\n\"The sniff test remains the best gauge,\" Kaplan says, so if it looks and smells good, your food is still probably safe to eat.\n\nIf food isn't properly stored or packaged, it can go bad even before the expiration date.\n\n## What to Do With Expired Food\nAs long as you aren't seeing any signs of spoilage, most foods should still be good to eat well past their expiration dates (good news for that bottle of ketchup in your fridge).\n\n\"Non-perishables can be kept and consumed past the expiration date with only taste, quality, and nutrition compromised,\" Petre says. So while non-perishables, like chips, might go stale over time, they shouldn't be unsafe to eat after their expiration.\n\nAnd according to the USDA, you can even donate food after the expiration date has passed. There's no guarantee that food banks will use them (they'll evaluate your donated items on their own), but if there aren't any signs that the food has spoiled, it should still be safe to eat.\n\n## Different Date-Labeling Phrases\nSince expiration dates are decided by the manufacturer, there's no standard that's used across the board, which is why you'll see \"best by,\" \"use by,\" \"sell by,\" and other variations. Each one means something a little different, but none are true \"expiration\" dates, so don't toss your groceries if you have something a day or two past its stamped-on date.\n\n### 'Best by' Date\nAccording to Hutchings, \"The 'best by' date gives the consumer a deadline for when the product will have the best flavor or quality.\"\n\nProducts past their \"best by\" dates should still be safe to eat (as long there aren't any signs of spoilage), but they might taste a little less than fresh since they're the manufacturer's best estimate of when their product will still be the best quality.\n\n### 'Sell by' Date\nIn contrast, \"sell by\" dates are really more for stores than consumers. According to the USDA, \"sell by\" dates tell grocery stores and other retailers how long the product should be on display and available for sale. It's also not a measure of safety, and most products should be good even after the \"sell by\" date has passed.\n\n### 'Use by' Date\n\"The 'use by' date tells the consumer the last date the product will be at its peak quality,\" Hutchings says. And according the USDA, \"use by\" dates are only a measure of safety when they're used on infant formula. All other products should still be safe to eat.\n\nIt's best to err on the side of caution to avoid getting sick, so if you have any doubts about the safety or quality of your food, toss it out. But if you have a carton of yogurt that's just past its \"best by\" date, you don't have to let it go to waste.","meta_canonical":null}

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Meta Title	Can I Eat Food Past Its Expiration Date? Here's What Experts Say
Meta Description	Food that has reached its expiration date does not need to be tossed immediately. Here's what food safety expert say about product date labeling.
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Boilerpipe Text	Key Takeaways Food expiration dates are more about quality than safety, except for infant formula. Many foods are safe to consume past their expiration date if they show no signs of spoilage. Different date labels like "best by," "sell by," and "use by" have distinct meanings primarily related to quality. Expiration dates are common on almost every food item, including things that you wouldn't think would ever expire, such as salt and sugar. We've all purged our refrigerators of yogurts a few days past their "best by" date and dug through the bread shelf at the store to try and find a fresher loaf with a later expiration date. But obviously, a bag of chips with a "use by" date of March 10 isn't automatically unsafe to eat on March 11. To get clarity, we asked food safety experts about the point of expiration dates. Janilyn Hutchings is a food scientist and certified professional in food safety at StateFoodSafety , a food safety certification and training program. Jennifer Kaplan is a former food systems instructor at the Culinary Institute of America in St. Helena, California. Dr. Luiza Petre is a cardiologist also specializing in nutrition, weight management, and wellness. The Meaning of Food Expiration Dates Food expiration dates don't have as much to do with food safety as you'd think, and the chances of getting sick from eating a yogurt a couple of days past its expiration date are pretty slim. This is because, except for infant formula, expiration dates aren't required or regulated by law on products and are determined by the manufacturer. Quality vs. Safety "Food dating is more about food quality than food safety," says Janilyn Hutchings, a food scientist and certified professional in food safety who works for StateFoodSafety. "With the exception of baby formula, the food dating system is not government-regulated or standardized, so the dates printed on most items are actually suggestions from the manufacturer to help you know when the product is at its best quality." According to Jennifer Kaplan, former food systems instructor at the Culinary Institute of America, expiration dates are "a manufacturer's vague estimate of when the product is at its 'freshest.' Many foods will still be good to eat days, weeks, or months after those dates," she says. This doesn't necessarily mean you should completely ignore expiration dates, but think of them more as guidelines than as hard rules about when food is safe to eat. "It is safest not to use food after the "Use by" date because expired food is more likely to be spoiled," Hutchings says. "If the food has become rancid or spoiled, no amount of cooking can guarantee the food will be safe to eat." Foods Whose Expiration Dates Matter There are obviously some risks to consider when it comes to eating expired food. For example, canned foods and non-perishable products are likely to last long past their expiration dates, but you should pay more attention to the expiration dates on foods that spoil more easily, like fresh fruits and vegetables, or eggs. If you do eat spoiled food, you could become seriously sick. Your food can become less nutritious the longer it sits around. That's one of the reasons the U.S. Department of Agriculture does regulate the expiration dates on infant formula—past the expiration date, there's no guarantee that the formula matches the nutrition information on the packaging. Watch for Signs of Spoilage You should immediately toss out any food that's growing mold, or that has an odor. "Always watch for warning signs like odors, flavors, and colors that don't look, smell, or taste right, and discard immediately, regardless of the date on the label," says Dr. Luiza Petre, a cardiologist who also specializes in nutrition, weight management, and wellness. "The sniff test remains the best gauge," Kaplan says, so if it looks and smells good, your food is still probably safe to eat. If food isn't properly stored or packaged, it can go bad even before the expiration date. What to Do With Expired Food As long as you aren't seeing any signs of spoilage, most foods should still be good to eat well past their expiration dates (good news for that bottle of ketchup in your fridge). "Non-perishables can be kept and consumed past the expiration date with only taste, quality, and nutrition compromised," Petre says. So while non-perishables, like chips, might go stale over time, they shouldn't be unsafe to eat after their expiration. And according to the USDA, you can even donate food after the expiration date has passed. There's no guarantee that food banks will use them (they'll evaluate your donated items on their own), but if there aren't any signs that the food has spoiled, it should still be safe to eat. Different Date-Labeling Phrases Since expiration dates are decided by the manufacturer, there's no standard that's used across the board, which is why you'll see "best by," "use by," "sell by," and other variations. Each one means something a little different, but none are true "expiration" dates, so don't toss your groceries if you have something a day or two past its stamped-on date. 'Best by' Date According to Hutchings, "The 'best by' date gives the consumer a deadline for when the product will have the best flavor or quality." Products past their "best by" dates should still be safe to eat (as long there aren't any signs of spoilage), but they might taste a little less than fresh since they're the manufacturer's best estimate of when their product will still be the best quality. 'Sell by' Date In contrast, "sell by" dates are really more for stores than consumers. According to the USDA, "sell by" dates tell grocery stores and other retailers how long the product should be on display and available for sale. It's also not a measure of safety, and most products should be good even after the "sell by" date has passed. 'Use by' Date "The 'use by' date tells the consumer the last date the product will be at its peak quality," Hutchings says. And according the USDA, "use by" dates are only a measure of safety when they're used on infant formula. All other products should still be safe to eat. It's best to err on the side of caution to avoid getting sick, so if you have any doubts about the safety or quality of your food, toss it out. But if you have a carton of yogurt that's just past its "best by" date, you don't have to let it go to waste.
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Here's What Experts Say You don't have to immediately toss anything that's "expired." By [Andrea Beck](https://www.bhg.com/author/andrea-beck/) ![Andrea Beck headshot]() ![Andrea Beck headshot](https://www.bhg.com/thmb/biLsvLSIxWmPb2qWa9lertSI3M0=/75x75/filters:no_upscale\(\):strip_icc\(\)/Beck-Headshot-7d14c05f83d6491393c246d443b5961a.jpg) [Andrea Beck](https://www.bhg.com/author/andrea-beck/) Andrea Beck served as garden editor at BHG and her work has appeared on Food & Wine, Martha Stewart, MyRecipes, and more. [Learn about BHG's Editorial Process](https://www.bhg.com/better-homes-and-gardens-editorial-policy-and-standards-5537160) Updated on October 7, 2025 Fact checked by [Marcus Reeves](https://www.bhg.com/author/marcus-reeves/) ![Photo of writer and fact checker Marcus Reeves]() ![Photo of writer and fact checker Marcus Reeves](https://www.bhg.com/thmb/Q74dtzGLgf8UFQgZTUIrOsPT67o=/75x75/filters:no_upscale\(\):strip_icc\(\)/MarcusCoverShot-6334ea1001684f06aefe8c0f61eef033-275ac15c98d649b7a15f14e13bb9d7bb.jpg) Fact checked by [Marcus Reeves](https://www.bhg.com/author/marcus-reeves/) Marcus Reeves is an experienced writer, publisher, and fact-checker. He began his writing career reporting for The Source magazine. His writing has appeared in The New York Times, Playboy, The Washington Post, and Rolling Stone, among other publications. His book Somebody Scream: Rap Music's Rise to Prominence in the Aftershock of Black Power was nominated for a Zora Neale Hurston Award. He is an adjunct instructor at New York University, where he teaches writing and communications. Marcus received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey. [Learn about BHG's Fact Checking Process](https://www.bhg.com/about-better-homes-and-gardens-5525299#toc-fact-checking) Close ### Key Takeaways - Food expiration dates are more about quality than safety, except for infant formula. - Many foods are safe to consume past their expiration date if they show no signs of spoilage. - Different date labels like "best by," "sell by," and "use by" have distinct meanings primarily related to quality. Expiration dates are common on almost every food item, including things that you wouldn't think would ever expire, such as salt and sugar. We've all purged our refrigerators of yogurts a few days past their "best by" date and dug through the bread shelf at the store to try and find a fresher loaf with a later expiration date. But obviously, a bag of chips with a "use by" date of March 10 isn't automatically unsafe to eat on March 11. To get clarity, we asked food safety experts about the point of expiration dates. ![Refrigerator door stocked with groceries]() ![Refrigerator door stocked with groceries](https://www.bhg.com/thmb/msYKasT4kzfbc7t3RDQnUUmbVFs=/610x0/filters:no_upscale\(\):strip_icc\(\)/Stocked-refrigerator-door-f0e03b60fa1c465eb8ed28f60e156b88.jpg) - Janilyn Hutchings is a food scientist and certified professional in food safety at [StateFoodSafety](https://www.statefoodsafety.com/), a food safety certification and training program. - Jennifer Kaplan is a former food systems instructor at the Culinary Institute of America in St. Helena, California. - [Dr. Luiza Petre](http://www.luizapetremd.com/) is a cardiologist also specializing in nutrition, weight management, and wellness. ## The Meaning of Food Expiration Dates Food expiration dates don't have as much to do with food safety as you'd think, and the chances of getting sick from eating a yogurt a couple of days past its expiration date are pretty slim. This is because, except for infant formula, expiration dates aren't required or regulated by law on products and are determined by the manufacturer. ### Quality vs. Safety "Food dating is more about food quality than food safety," says Janilyn Hutchings, a food scientist and certified professional in food safety who works for StateFoodSafety. "With the exception of baby formula, the food dating system is not government-regulated or standardized, so the dates printed on most items are actually suggestions from the manufacturer to help you know when the product is at its best quality." According to Jennifer Kaplan, former food systems instructor at the Culinary Institute of America, expiration dates are "a manufacturer's vague estimate of when the product is at its 'freshest.' Many foods will still be good to eat days, weeks, or months after those dates," she says. This doesn't necessarily mean you should completely ignore expiration dates, but think of them more as guidelines than as hard rules about when food is safe to eat. "It is safest not to use food after the "Use by" date because expired food is more likely to be spoiled," Hutchings says. "If the food has become rancid or spoiled, no amount of cooking can guarantee the food will be safe to eat." ## Foods Whose Expiration Dates Matter There are obviously some risks to consider when it comes to eating expired food. For example, canned foods and non-perishable products are likely to last long past their expiration dates, but you should pay more attention to the expiration dates on foods that spoil more easily, like fresh fruits and vegetables, or eggs. If you do eat spoiled food, you could become seriously sick. Your food can become less nutritious the longer it sits around. That's one of the reasons the U.S. Department of Agriculture does regulate the expiration dates on infant formula—past the expiration date, there's no guarantee that the formula matches the nutrition information on the packaging. ## Watch for Signs of Spoilage You should immediately toss out any food that's growing mold, or that has an odor. "Always watch for warning signs like odors, flavors, and colors that don't look, smell, or taste right, and discard immediately, regardless of the date on the label," says Dr. Luiza Petre, a cardiologist who also specializes in nutrition, weight management, and wellness. "The sniff test remains the best gauge," Kaplan says, so if it looks and smells good, your food is still probably safe to eat. If food isn't properly stored or packaged, it can go bad even before the expiration date. [10 Foods You Didn’t Know You Should Store in the Fridge](https://www.bhg.com/recipes/how-to/cooking-basics/store-foods-in-fridge/) ## What to Do With Expired Food As long as you aren't seeing any signs of spoilage, most foods should still be good to eat well past their expiration dates (good news for that bottle of ketchup in your fridge). "Non-perishables can be kept and consumed past the expiration date with only taste, quality, and nutrition compromised," Petre says. So while non-perishables, like chips, might go stale over time, they shouldn't be unsafe to eat after their expiration. And according to the USDA, you can even donate food after the expiration date has passed. There's no guarantee that food banks will use them (they'll evaluate your donated items on their own), but if there aren't any signs that the food has spoiled, it should still be safe to eat. ## Different Date-Labeling Phrases Since expiration dates are decided by the manufacturer, there's no standard that's used across the board, which is why you'll see "best by," "use by," "sell by," and other variations. Each one means something a little different, but none are true "expiration" dates, so don't toss your groceries if you have something a day or two past its stamped-on date. ### 'Best by' Date According to Hutchings, "The 'best by' date gives the consumer a deadline for when the product will have the best flavor or quality." Products past their "best by" dates should still be safe to eat (as long there aren't any signs of spoilage), but they might taste a little less than fresh since they're the manufacturer's best estimate of when their product will still be the best quality. [What Is Shelf-Stable Milk, and Why Doesn't It Need Refrigeration?](https://www.bhg.com/recipes/how-to/cooking-basics/what-is-shelf-stable-milk/) ### 'Sell by' Date In contrast, "sell by" dates are really more for stores than consumers. According to the USDA, "sell by" dates tell grocery stores and other retailers how long the product should be on display and available for sale. It's also not a measure of safety, and most products should be good even after the "sell by" date has passed. ### 'Use by' Date "The 'use by' date tells the consumer the last date the product will be at its peak quality," Hutchings says. And according the USDA, "use by" dates are only a measure of safety when they're used on infant formula. All other products should still be safe to eat. It's best to err on the side of caution to avoid getting sick, so if you have any doubts about the safety or quality of your food, toss it out. But if you have a carton of yogurt that's just past its "best by" date, you don't have to let it go to waste. Explore more: - [News](https://www.bhg.com/news/) Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback\! Tell us why\! Other Sources Better Homes & Gardens is committed to using high-quality, reputable sources—including peer-reviewed studies—to support the facts in our articles. Read about our [editorial policies and standards](https://www.bhg.com/better-homes-and-gardens-editorial-policy-and-standards-5537160) to learn more about how we fact check our content for accuracy. 1. ["Food Product Dating."](https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/food-product-dating#:~:text=Manufacturers%20provide%20dating%20to%20help,not%20required%20by%20Federal%20law.) U.S. Department of Agriculture. 2. ["What Does the Use By Date Mean on Infant Formula Product Labels."](https://ask.usda.gov/s/article/What-does-the-use-by-date-mean-on-infant-formula-product-labels#:~:text=Information&text=Federal%20regulations%20require%20a%20%22use,as%20described%20on%20the%20label.) U.S. Department of Agriculture. ## Related Articles [![Carton of eggs on blue background]() ![Carton of eggs on blue background](https://www.bhg.com/thmb/DexpSJ_2iaxn4RmyV92u599I8j4=/282x188/filters:no_upscale\(\):strip_icc\(\)/bhg-eggs-carton-blue-background-100fb5e34ccf4f22ad091d9c5d3ca9a8.jpg) Should You Be Cooking Eggs Differently? What You Need to Know About Eggs and the Bird Flu Right Now](https://www.bhg.com/bird-flu-and-eggs-summer-2024-8663690) [![baking supplies in clear canisters]() ![baking supplies in clear canisters](https://www.bhg.com/thmb/BoLkM3W7s-nYh0KNs8Xs2RaKF-Q=/282x188/filters:no_upscale\(\):strip_icc\(\)/bhg-baking-supplies-8704874-18a27a039fc745819445894cbeffff67.png) Do Baking Supplies Expire? 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Readable Markdown	### Key Takeaways - Food expiration dates are more about quality than safety, except for infant formula. - Many foods are safe to consume past their expiration date if they show no signs of spoilage. - Different date labels like "best by," "sell by," and "use by" have distinct meanings primarily related to quality. Expiration dates are common on almost every food item, including things that you wouldn't think would ever expire, such as salt and sugar. We've all purged our refrigerators of yogurts a few days past their "best by" date and dug through the bread shelf at the store to try and find a fresher loaf with a later expiration date. But obviously, a bag of chips with a "use by" date of March 10 isn't automatically unsafe to eat on March 11. To get clarity, we asked food safety experts about the point of expiration dates. - Janilyn Hutchings is a food scientist and certified professional in food safety at [StateFoodSafety](https://www.statefoodsafety.com/), a food safety certification and training program. - Jennifer Kaplan is a former food systems instructor at the Culinary Institute of America in St. Helena, California. - [Dr. Luiza Petre](http://www.luizapetremd.com/) is a cardiologist also specializing in nutrition, weight management, and wellness. ## The Meaning of Food Expiration Dates Food expiration dates don't have as much to do with food safety as you'd think, and the chances of getting sick from eating a yogurt a couple of days past its expiration date are pretty slim. This is because, except for infant formula, expiration dates aren't required or regulated by law on products and are determined by the manufacturer. ### Quality vs. Safety "Food dating is more about food quality than food safety," says Janilyn Hutchings, a food scientist and certified professional in food safety who works for StateFoodSafety. "With the exception of baby formula, the food dating system is not government-regulated or standardized, so the dates printed on most items are actually suggestions from the manufacturer to help you know when the product is at its best quality." According to Jennifer Kaplan, former food systems instructor at the Culinary Institute of America, expiration dates are "a manufacturer's vague estimate of when the product is at its 'freshest.' Many foods will still be good to eat days, weeks, or months after those dates," she says. This doesn't necessarily mean you should completely ignore expiration dates, but think of them more as guidelines than as hard rules about when food is safe to eat. "It is safest not to use food after the "Use by" date because expired food is more likely to be spoiled," Hutchings says. "If the food has become rancid or spoiled, no amount of cooking can guarantee the food will be safe to eat." ## Foods Whose Expiration Dates Matter There are obviously some risks to consider when it comes to eating expired food. For example, canned foods and non-perishable products are likely to last long past their expiration dates, but you should pay more attention to the expiration dates on foods that spoil more easily, like fresh fruits and vegetables, or eggs. If you do eat spoiled food, you could become seriously sick. Your food can become less nutritious the longer it sits around. That's one of the reasons the U.S. Department of Agriculture does regulate the expiration dates on infant formula—past the expiration date, there's no guarantee that the formula matches the nutrition information on the packaging. ## Watch for Signs of Spoilage You should immediately toss out any food that's growing mold, or that has an odor. "Always watch for warning signs like odors, flavors, and colors that don't look, smell, or taste right, and discard immediately, regardless of the date on the label," says Dr. Luiza Petre, a cardiologist who also specializes in nutrition, weight management, and wellness. "The sniff test remains the best gauge," Kaplan says, so if it looks and smells good, your food is still probably safe to eat. If food isn't properly stored or packaged, it can go bad even before the expiration date. ## What to Do With Expired Food As long as you aren't seeing any signs of spoilage, most foods should still be good to eat well past their expiration dates (good news for that bottle of ketchup in your fridge). "Non-perishables can be kept and consumed past the expiration date with only taste, quality, and nutrition compromised," Petre says. So while non-perishables, like chips, might go stale over time, they shouldn't be unsafe to eat after their expiration. And according to the USDA, you can even donate food after the expiration date has passed. There's no guarantee that food banks will use them (they'll evaluate your donated items on their own), but if there aren't any signs that the food has spoiled, it should still be safe to eat. ## Different Date-Labeling Phrases Since expiration dates are decided by the manufacturer, there's no standard that's used across the board, which is why you'll see "best by," "use by," "sell by," and other variations. Each one means something a little different, but none are true "expiration" dates, so don't toss your groceries if you have something a day or two past its stamped-on date. ### 'Best by' Date According to Hutchings, "The 'best by' date gives the consumer a deadline for when the product will have the best flavor or quality." Products past their "best by" dates should still be safe to eat (as long there aren't any signs of spoilage), but they might taste a little less than fresh since they're the manufacturer's best estimate of when their product will still be the best quality. ### 'Sell by' Date In contrast, "sell by" dates are really more for stores than consumers. According to the USDA, "sell by" dates tell grocery stores and other retailers how long the product should be on display and available for sale. It's also not a measure of safety, and most products should be good even after the "sell by" date has passed. ### 'Use by' Date "The 'use by' date tells the consumer the last date the product will be at its peak quality," Hutchings says. And according the USDA, "use by" dates are only a measure of safety when they're used on infant formula. All other products should still be safe to eat. It's best to err on the side of caution to avoid getting sick, so if you have any doubts about the safety or quality of your food, toss it out. But if you have a carton of yogurt that's just past its "best by" date, you don't have to let it go to waste.
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