This handy guide from the GCFD helps us better understand food product dating and what these terms mean for the Food Pantry.

Manufacturers provide dating to help consumers and retailers decide when food is of best quality. Except for infant formula, dates are not an indicator of the product’s safety and are not required by Federal law.

Examples of commonly used phrases:

• A "Best if Used By/Before" date indicates when a product will be of best flavor or quality. It is not a purchase or safety date.

• A "Sell-By" date tells the store how long to display the product for sale for inventory management. It is not a safety date.

• A “Use-By" date is the last date recommended for the use of the product while at peak quality. It is not a safety date except for when used on infant formula as described below.

• A “Freeze-By” date indicates when a product should be frozen to maintain peak quality. It is not a purchase or safety date.

These foods can be safely distributed past the date given “shelf-life extension”, if handled and stored properly.