USDA Trying To Help Clear Up Confusion Over Date Labels

What's the story about date labels on food products in the supermarket?

"I know there's a lot of consumer confusion about the labels: 'Best By', 'Sell By', 'Use By', and so forth. And so USDA has created a fact sheet on food product dating that clarifies the use and meaning of food product dating and encourages the best of use by phrase to convey quality dates," said Jean Buzby, USDA Food Loss and Waste Liaison. "Manufacturers provide date labels to help consumers and retailers decide when food is at best quality. Expect for infant formula, dates are not an indicator of product safety and are not required by federal law."

"If a date on a food product passes during home storage it should still be safe and wholesome if handled properly until spoilage is evident."

For more on date labeling can be found on our website, check out the USDA's Website.