Understanding Food Expiration Dates: A Simple Guide

Knowing about food expiration dates is really important for keeping our kitchens safe and storing food properly. Here are some easy guidelines to follow:

• Types of Labels: Get to know the different labels you might see on food:

  • "Use By": This tells you the last date to eat the product for safety and quality.
  • "Best By" or "Best Before": This is more about how good the food tastes. It might still be safe to eat after this date, but it may not taste its best.
  • "Sell By": This label is mainly for stores. It shows when the product should be sold to keep it fresh.

• Keeping Food at the Right Temperature: Always store foods that can go bad at safe temperatures:

  • Put perishable foods in the fridge at or below 40°F (4°C) within two hours after cooking or buying.
  • If you freeze food, keep it at or below 0°F (-18°C) for the best safety.

• Using Your Senses: Trust your senses when checking food. If it smells funny, feels strange, or looks different in color, it’s better to throw it away.

• Check Your Food Regularly: Look through your pantry, fridge, and freezer often for expired items. A good tip is to use older food first. This way, you reduce waste.

• Stay Informed: Learn about different food products and how to store them properly. Some foods, like eggs and dairy, need stricter attention to expiration dates, while others, like dry goods, are a bit more forgiving.

By following these simple guidelines, you can help avoid foodborne illnesses and reduce waste, making the kitchen a safer place for everyone!