The Truth About Expiration Dates

Product dates are certainly not an exact science, and vary from store to store. For instance, the “Sell By” date is more of a guide for the store to keep track of how fresh (or old!) something is. “Best if Used Before” or “Best if Used By” is telling you the quality of the food may change after that date. “Use By” should be heeded – do not use a product after the date listed with “Used By.”

Raw meat is usually kept at 30 degrees F in the store. When you take it home, your refrigerator probably can’t match that temperature, therefore invalidating the “sell by” date once you take it home. Your refrigerator temperature can cut that date down to two days. Experts recommend you freeze any raw meat (including chicken) within two days of bringing it home from the store. Frozen hamburger has a greater surface area than most meats and should be consumed within three months of being frozen.

Milk can remain in the fridge for about five days after the “Sell By” date. Exposure to light deteriorates the vitamin content and spoils it more quickly. Eggs have one of the longer shelf lives of fresh produce. They can stay fresh for up to five weeks after the “Sell By” date, although it is recommended that you consume them sooner than that.