FROM: HOLLEY CARNRIGHT
DATE: AUGUST 28, 2019
PRESS RELEASE – FOOD EXPIRATION DATES: What do they mean?
Food expiration dates don’t mean as much as many people think they do, according to the Ulster County District Attorney’s Division of Consumer Affairs. Most food is still edible after the expiration date but may not be as tasty.
Most consumers are surprised to learn that stores are not legally required to remove food once the expiration date has passed. They are strictly “advisory” in nature. Dating is not federally required, except for infant formula. States have varying laws. Most states – not New York - require that milk and other perishables be sold before the expiration date.
The major codes are:
- Sell by This is the “expiration date” but does not mean the product must be pulled from sale or that it cannot be sold after that date;
- Best if used by Flavor or quality is best by this date but the product is still edible thereafter;
- Use by This is the last day that the manufacturer vouches for the product’s quality.
Most labels should be used as a guide, rather than a hard and fast expiration date. Consumer Affairs can be reached at 340-3260.