This post was written by Leticia Orellana, Mississippi State University, and was selected as a winning submission in the 2024 College Aggies Online program.
When it comes to food dating labels, terms like “Best if Used By,” “Sell By,” and “Best By” can often lead to confusion. This misunderstanding may cause you to throw away perfectly good food! Many people mistakenly believe that these dates indicate when the food is no longer safe to eat, but that’s not the case. Let’s clarify what these labels really mean and how understanding them can help you reduce waste and save money.
For example, you’ll often find “Best if Used By” or “Best By” dates on meat, poultry, and egg products. These dates indicate when the manufacturer thinks the food will taste its best and have the best texture. However, it’s important to remember that just because this date has passed doesn’t mean the product is unsafe to eat! Many foods can still be perfectly fine beyond these dates, so don’t rush to toss them out.
Factors That Influence Food Dating
Did you know that federal law doesn’t even require food dating, except for infant formula? Food dating is voluntarily added by manufacturers or retailers to give us an idea of when the product is at its peak quality. So, how do manufacturers determine these quality dates? Several factors come into play, such as storage temperature, packaging type, ingredients, and the product’s natural characteristics. For example, think of fresh chicken you might buy from the grocery store; if properly refrigerated, it typically has a “Best if Used By” date of 7 to 10 days after packaging. This timeline indicates when the chicken will be at its freshest. On the other hand, frozen chicken nuggets can have an expiration date of up to 6 months after packaging. The drastic difference in how long they can be stored highlights how storage conditions, particularly temperature, play a significant role in determining how long food remains at peak quality.
Eggs are another common example of food products that people often discard too soon. They are typically sold in a cardboard carton and kept refrigerated. The “Best By” date is generally 3–5 weeks from the packing date. While the quality of the egg does decrease over time, they can still be safe to eat beyond this date if stored properly in the refrigerator. As eggs age, their freshness gradually diminishes, which you can assess through a quick visual inspection. Fresh eggs usually have thick, firm whites and round, high-standing yolks. However, as they age, the whites become thinner and more watery, and the yolks may flatten out. While the texture and appearance may not be as appealing, as long as there’s no off-putting smell or other signs of spoilage, the eggs are still safe to consume.
How Proper Storage Affects Food Quality and Safety
However, it’s important to remember that how you store your food has a huge impact on its quality. Simply following the dates without adhering to the storage recommendations won’t work. For example, if food is left unrefrigerated for too long or improperly sealed, it can spoil well before the “Best By” date. So, be sure to follow the proper storage guidelines provided by the manufacturer to extend the quality and safety of your food.
In conclusion, don’t rely solely on the dates printed on food packaging. Instead, use your senses, check for changes in smell, texture, or appearance to determine whether the food is still good. So next time you see a “Best if Used By” date, remember that it’s not the end of the road for your food! Keep an eye on quality, follow storage instructions, and enjoy your food without worrying too much about the date on the label.
All posts are the opinion of the author and do not necessarily represent the view of the Animal Ag Alliance
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