"Best Before" vs. "Use By": Decoding Expiration Dates

One of the biggest culprits of food waste in households is confusion over date labels. We see a date, we panic, and we throw it out. But did you know that many of these dates have nothing to do with whether the food is safe to eat?

"Use By" = Safety

The "Use By" date is the most important one for safety. It is usually found on perishable foods like:

• Fresh meat and fish
• Soft cheeses
• Ready-to-eat salads

Rule: Do not eat food past its "Use By" date, even if it looks and smells fine. Bacterial growth that causes poisoning isn't always visible.

"Best Before" = Quality

The "Best Before" date (or "Best If Used By") is about quality, not safety. It appears on:

• Canned goods
• Dried pasta and rice
• Biscuits and snacks
• Frozen foods

Rule: You can safely eat food past this date. The flavor or texture might not be peak perfection, but it won't make you sick. Trust your senses: look, smell, and taste.

The "Display Until" or "Sell By"

These dates are for store staff, not for you. They tell the retailer when to remove the item from the shelf. Ignore them at home.

Tips to Extend Life

• Freeze it: If you know you won't use meat before the "Use By" date, freeze it immediately.
• Store clearly: Move items expiring soon to the front of the fridge.

Understanding these simple differences can save kilos of edible food from the bin every year.