What is a Use-by Date?
A use-by date is a date that indicates when a food product should be eaten or consumed. It is usually found on packaged and processed foods, such as canned goods, frozen meals, and ready-made meals. Use-by dates are important because they indicate when a food product is at its best quality and flavour.
What Does a Use-by Date Tell You?
A use-by date tells you the date up to which a food should be consumed. It is important to consume food before its use-by date so that it is safe to eat. After the use-by date, the quality of the food will start to deteriorate and the food may become unsafe for consumption.
Examples of Use-by Dates
- Dairy products such as milk, cheese and yoghurt have a use-by date.
- Fruits and vegetables have a use-by date.
- Ready-made meals have a use-by date.
- Canned goods have a use-by date.
- Frozen meals have a use-by date.
What Should You Do if You Miss the Use-by Date?
It is important to consume food before its use-by date so that it is safe to eat. So if you miss the use-by date, it is best to discard the food. However, if you want to check the safety of food, you can look for any signs of spoilage such as mould, unpleasant odours, and discolouration. If you notice any of these signs, the food should not be consumed and should be thrown away.
Conclusion
Use-by dates are important because they indicate when a food product is at its best quality and flavour. It is important to consume food before its use-by date so that it is safe to eat. If you miss the use-by date, it is best to discard the food and look for any signs of spoilage before consuming it. References:
- https://www.foodsafety.gov/keep/types/dates/
- https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/food-safety-education/get-answers/food-safety-fact-sheets/food-labeling/food-product-dating/ct_index