If you've ever cleaned out your refrigerator and thrown away food the moment you spotted a date on the package, you're definitely not alone.
But food safety experts say you may be throwing away perfectly good food.
"Best By" Doesn't Mean "Bad By"
Many of the dates printed on food packages aren't actually expiration dates.
Labels such as "Best By," "Best Before," and "Enjoy By" are generally meant to tell you when a product is at its best quality, not the exact day it becomes unsafe to eat.
That means many foods are still perfectly fine after the printed date, especially if they've been stored correctly.
Why It's So Confusing
One reason consumers are confused is because there isn't a single standard for food labeling across the country.
Researchers have found more than 50 different date labels being used in the United States.
With so many different phrases, it's easy to assume they all mean the same thing, even though they don't.
Some Foods Last Much Longer
Experts say many shelf-stable foods can often remain safe and tasty well beyond their printed dates.
Examples include:
- Canned goods
- Cereal
- Cookies
- Crackers
As long as the packaging isn't damaged and the food has been stored properly, it may still be perfectly good.
Of course, always use common sense. If something smells bad, looks unusual, or has signs of mold or spoilage, it's best to throw it away.
California Is Simplifying Food Labels
To help reduce confusion and food waste, California has become the first state to standardize food date labels.
Under the new rules:
- "Best If Used By" refers to quality.
- "Use By" refers to food safety.
Supporters hope the change will help consumers waste less food while making it easier to know when something truly should be discarded.
