What is a “Best by” Date?
A “best by” date is simply the manufacturer’s recommendation on when a product should be eaten or used by in order to ensure the highest quality and taste. It is not an indication of safety, so it is important to understand that consuming food or using products after this date is not necessarily dangerous.
How is it Different Than an Expiration Date?
An expiration date is a requirement set by the government to ensure that food remains safe to eat. It is not a recommendation and products should not be consumed after this date. A “best by” date, however, is simply a recommendation and is not a safety indicator.
What Do Best By Dates Mean for Food?
When it comes to food, the “best by” date is an indicator of when the food will be at its freshest and tastiest. It is not an indication of food safety and food can still be eaten after this date, although it may not taste as good. Here are some examples of how long certain foods may last past their “best by” date:
- Milk: Up to 7 days
- Yogurt: Up to 10 days
- Bread: Up to 14 days
- Eggs: Up to 3-5 weeks
What Do Best By Dates Mean for Non-Food Products?
For non-food products, the “best by” date is a recommendation on when the product should be used in order to get the best results. After this date, the product may still be usable but may not perform as well as it would have when it was fresh.
Conclusion
It is important to understand the difference between a “best by” date and an expiration date. A “best by” date is simply a recommendation and is not an indication of product safety. It is important to pay attention to these dates in order to get the best results from your food and other products.