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Understanding Dates on Food Products

(FSIS) There are different types of dates indicated of food products:

* A "Sell-By" date tells the store how long to display the product for sale. You should buy the product before the date.

* A "Best if Used By (or Before)" date is recommended for best flavor or quality. It is not a purchase or safety date.

* A "Use-By" date is the last date recommended for the use of the product while at peak quality. The product manufacturer determines this date.

* "Closed or coded dates" are packing numbers for use by the manufacturer.

Except for "use-by" dates, product dates don't always refer to home storage and use after purchase. But even if the date expires during home storage, a product should be safe, wholesome and of good quality -- if handled properly and kept at 40°F or below.

Foods can develop an off odor, flavor or appearance due to spoilage bacteria. If a food has developed such characteristics, you should not use it for quality reasons.

If foods are mishandled, however, foodborne bacteria can grow and cause foodborne illness -- before or after the date on the package. For example, if hot dogs are taken to a picnic and left out several hours, they wouldn't be safe if used thereafter, even if the date hasn't expired.

Other examples of potential mishandling are products that have been: defrosted at room temperature more than two hours; cross contaminated; or handled by people who don't use proper sanitary practices. Make sure to follow the handling and preparation instructions on the label to ensure top quality and safety.



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