Date Labels Decoded
A survey by the International Food Information Council shows the current hodgepodge of food labels may be hurting more than helping when it comes to preventing food waste. A report from the US Department of Agriculture confirms that consumers’ confusion about food date labels is responsible for about 20% of household food waste.
In real terms, that’s over 3 billion pounds of food—approximately $7 billion worth—wasted because America’s food labels are jumbled and difficult to decipher.
Most Americans believe the federal government regulates on-package date labels. They don’t, except for infant formulas. Food labeling is a state-by-state patchwork of regulations mixed with voluntary labeling by food manufacturers.
Confused consumers, trying to avoid foodborne illness, wind up tossing perfectly good food. So, let’s clarify what the most common labels actually mean.
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Common Food Date Labels Explained
Sell by
This date is the last day a product should be sold for peak quality and has nothing to do with spoilage or safety.
Best if used by / Best if used before
This indicates when the item will be at its best for flavor and freshness—not when it becomes unsafe to eat.
Guaranteed fresh
Like the label above, this refers to optimal freshness, not spoilage. It is most commonly found on baked goods.
Pack date
Usually found on canned or packaged foods, this tells you when the product was packaged—not when it expires.
Use by
This is the last date the product is guaranteed to be at peak quality. It is similar to “Best if used by.”
Expires on
This is the only common date label tied directly to food safety. It is typically used on highly perishable foods like meat, dairy, and eggs.
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Not every food item includes an expiration date, and many labels don’t apply once a product has been opened. Resources like FoodSafety.gov provide guidance on how long foods stay safe after opening.
Want to waste less? Try Frankie by Frigidaire™. Enter the ingredients you already have, answer a few quick questions, and get personalized recipe ideas that help you use what’s in your fridge.
With a little knowledge and some creative planning, you can reduce household food waste and save money at the same time.
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