Dates on Food Labels

Many foods have a date stamped on the label. These dates can help you choose foods that are fresh and safe to eat. You will see different dates on different types of foods.

• The "Pull-By" or "Sell-By" date is used on foods like milk, cheese, and packaged meats. It is the last date the product should be sold. These foods are usually stored in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and safe for few days after this date if you store them properly.

• "Freshness" or "Best-If-Used-By" dates are used on products like bakery goods or packaged cereals. The date is the last day the product can keep its best quality. After this date, the food may lose some of its freshness and nutritional value.

• An "Expiration" or "Use-By" date is the last date the food should be eaten or used. It is used mostly on products such as refrigerated dough and yeast.

• A "Pack" date is the date the food was manufactured or processed and packaged. This type of date is used for foods that can be kept for a long time, like canned goods.

Adapted from: "Your Money's Worth In Foods," Human Nutrition Information Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Home and Garden Bulletin 183, September 1994.

To test what you know, take the Quiz on Dates on Food.

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