We've all been misled by sell-by dates

California has banned expiration dates on food packaging effective July 2026. Terms such as “best when used by” or “use by” can be used instead.
The purpose of this bill is to address the fact that confusing food labels contribute to significant food waste.
Canned and dry goods are usually fine after the expiration date on the label, especially if they show no signs of deterioration such as dents or rust.
To judge the freshness of your food, you must rely on sight, smell and taste, especially when it comes to perishable products.

Almost every year 120 billion pounds of food is wasted in the US alone. While much of this can be attributed to supply chain issues, overly high cosmetic standards for products and other systemic challenges, there is another often overlooked factor: confusing date labels on food packaging. In fact, according to researchers, this confusion may be responsible for as much as seven percent of food waste in the US a study by the nonprofit organization ReFed.

But there is change on the horizon. In an effort to reduce food waste and help consumers better understand the shelf life of their food, California Governor Gavin Newsom recently signed a bill that bans the use of expiration dates on most food packaging, except infant formula, eggs, pasteurized eggs in shell, or beer and other malt beverages. Sell-by dates indicate a target deadline for retailers to sell goods. California is now the first state to ban expiration dates and mandate standardized food labeling.

Whether you live in California or not, deciphering the often confusing labels on cans and bottles can be frustrating. According to the Defense Natural Resources Councilmore than 50 different types of date labels appear on packaged foods in supermarkets. The most common are ‘sell-by’, ‘use-by’, ‘freeze-by’ and ‘best if used by/before’. None of these labels though Actually indicate when a product has expired.

Understanding these labels is critical to making customers feel confident and safe. Not only can reducing the amount of good food thrown away help reduce your grocery billsbut it also reduces harmful emissions caused by rotting food in landfills. Considering that up to 40% of America’s food supply is wasted every year, every effort counts.

While this all sounds promising, the question remains: If date labels on food don’t provide the best indicators as to when we should throw away our food, how can we avoid accidentally consuming (or purchasing) products that have expired? For example, unlike fresh produce such as milk or meat, which show obvious signs of spoilage, it is much more difficult to know whether a can of beans is still safe to eat. To answer this deceptively tricky question, we consulted nutritional, culinary and food safety experts to ask: Keep or throw away?

Selling at versus shelf life

When it comes down to it reduce food waste at homethere is a clear difference between the different date labels for foodstuffs that you see in the supermarket. Part of the reason California has chosen to ban retail labels is that they convey nothing meaningful to consumers.

As a food safety and policy expert Dr. Darin Detwiler explains, an expiration date is ‘literally about stock rotation’. For example, he notes that if you go to the store now, you’ll likely see Halloween-themed cereal boxes with instructions to “stop selling on November 1.” On the other hand: “Best before dates indicate when a product begins to lose freshness,” says Detwiler. However, that doesn’t mean it’s unsafe to eat after that date. An expiration date or freeze date indicates the safety date of the food. according to the legislation.

Rather than relying strictly on these labels, Detwiler recommends using your senses – sight, smell and taste – to determine whether food is still good to consume. Good cleaningDirector of Nutrition Stefani Sassos, MS, RDNagrees. “It is very important to use common sense and check for signs of spoilage,” Sassos advises.

Which foods can I (safely) eat after the expiration date?

In general, shelf-stable foods – such as jerky foods, canned goods, bottled items and dry grains such as rice and flour – are generally safe to eat after the expiration date on the label, with some exceptions.

“If a can is dented, rusted or bulging, skip it,” advises Good cleaning‘s chief food director, Kate Merker. However, if a can shows no obvious signs of deterioration, Merker is comfortable cooking with it. “Canned beans and tomatoes are what I stock most,” she says. “I use them in soups, chilis, stews and sauces, no matter how long they’ve been on my shelves.”

For more information about shelf-stable foods, visit this fact sheet from the USDA.

But just because food is safe doesn’t mean it will still taste good, Merker explains. “I’ve found that expiration dates can be directly related to the taste and texture of food,” she says. “The further you are from the expiration date, the more you have to adjust your expectations.”

This especially applies to frozen products. “Life in a freezer can be tough,” Merker adds. While most foods can be frozen safely months or even longer, their taste, texture and nutritional value may begin to decline over time.

How do I check for signs of spoilage?

In addition to checking the packaging, looking, smelling and tasting are other important ways to assess the safety and freshness of your food.

“It’s important to educate yourself about signs of food spoilage,” says Sassos. “We often think of visual indicators such as mold, but that is also necessary look for unpleasant odors, tastes or textures.” While it’s important to be mindful of food waste, don’t hesitate to throw something away when in doubt. “If you question it,” Sassos adds, “chances are something is wrong.”

Merker agrees, noting, “I grew up in a household where the test of smell and taste was paramount for everyone – except, of course, when there was visible mold.” Sassos also emphasizes this proper food storage is crucial to prevent waste: “Food spoilage can happen much faster if food is not stored or handled properly.”

Does the nutritional value deteriorate over time?

In addition to quality, there is also evidence that the nutritional value of food can decrease over time, especially products. This depends on the type of food and how it is stored, Sassos says. For example: “If a food container has been open for a week and exposed to light and air, it may lose some of its nutritional value.” However, she adds: “It’s nothing to lose sleep over.”

Are there foods that I should never consume after the expiration date?

Of course, there are products for which you should never ignore the expiration date. “Infant formula, for sure,” says Sassos. As for meat, poultry and dairy products: “It’s important to pay close attention and watch for signs of spoilage,” she advises. These signs include unpleasant odors, discoloration, and a slimy texture.

You might also like it