Understanding 'Use By' Dates

Understanding ‘use by’ dates and using them to your advantage


Let’s provide a few definitions first:
Homemade Gourmet uses a “best if used by” date (or use by date): Homemade Gourmet stamps all mixes with a “Best if used by [date]” and a lot code under the label. The lot code provides the information needed to determine the exact manufacture date. This is the date by which the user -- either you or your customer -- should aim to use the product; it is not an expiration date. "Best if used by" dates are the food manufacturer’s estimate of the date after which a product is no longer at its peak flavor and quality. Manufacturers voluntarily place this date on the packaging as a general guide. Most foods are OK to consume after the use-by date but may be lacking in flavor or freshness.

Other terminology used in the industry, but not by Homemade Gourmet:
Sell by date: This date is for vendors (typically grocers) — not consumers. Homemade Gourmet does not use “sell by” dates, but for your reference the “sell-by” date on groceries is meant to notify your grocer to pull the product off the shelf. While consumers shouldn't purchase foods beyond their sell-by dates, foods past their sell-by dates are not necessarily spoiled. If the product has remained unopened and there aren't any signs of spoilage, it may still be OK to eat.

Expiration date: Just as the word indicates, this is the date on which a food is expected to spoil. Expiration dates are typically used on fresh foods (not dry mixes like Homemade Gourmet seasonings), but they are not required by federal law. You should not consume or taste foods past this date.