5 Things to Know About Food Date Labels Before You Throw It Away
Date labels cause a substantial share of household food waste, largely because two very different labels are read as though they mean the same thing.
1. The two labels
Use-by is a safety date. It appears on foods that can support harmful bacterial growth without obvious signs — fresh meat, fish, some dairy and ready meals. Do not eat past it.
Best-before concerns quality rather than safety. Foods are frequently perfectly good afterwards, with gradual decline in texture or flavour.
Dried goods, tinned food, pasta and many store cupboard items remain usable long past a best-before date.
2. What changes the date
Both dates assume the storage conditions printed on the pack.
Once opened, the printed date usually stops applying and the pack's own guidance takes over — commonly a few days regardless of the original date.
Freezing extends life substantially, and food frozen before its use-by date is safe once defrosted and used promptly.
3. Fridge temperature
Many domestic fridges run warmer than intended, which shortens the safe life of everything inside.
A cheap fridge thermometer is a worthwhile purchase; aim for the range recommended by food safety authorities in your country.
The door is the warmest part, so milk and other perishables belong on a shelf rather than in the door.
4. Storage that extends life
Raw meat on the lowest shelf, sealed, so it cannot drip onto anything.
Most fruit and vegetables in the drawers; some, such as bananas and tomatoes, do better outside the fridge.
Bread freezes well and toasts straight from frozen, which prevents a large share of typical waste.
5. Judging food yourself
For best-before items, appearance and smell are reasonable guides.
For use-by items they are not, since dangerous bacteria do not necessarily change taste or smell.
When genuinely unsure about a use-by product, discard it. The rest of the time, check before assuming.
Final Thoughts
Two labels that look similar mean entirely different things, and treating them the same is responsible for a large share of household food waste. Observe use-by dates, judge best-before ones yourself, and check your fridge temperature.
General information; follow food safety guidance for your country.
Author: This article is general information only and does not constitute professional advice. Circumstances vary, and you should consult a qualified professional before making decisions based on this content.
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