Understanding Sell-By Dates: How Accurate Are They?
Discover the truth behind sell-by dates and food safety. Learn how to evaluate product quality effectively.
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Sell-by dates are guidelines for retailers to ensure product quality. They do not indicate safety. Many products are safe to consume several days to weeks past their sell-by dates if they are stored properly. Always check for signs of spoilage, such as odor, texture, and color, before consumption.
FAQs & Answers
- What does a sell-by date mean? A sell-by date is a guideline for retailers, indicating the date by which a product should be sold for optimal quality, not necessarily safety.
- Can you eat food past the sell-by date? Yes, many products are safe to consume days to weeks past their sell-by dates if properly stored, but always check for spoilage.
- How can I tell if food is spoiled? Look for signs such as bad odor, undesirable texture, discoloration, or packaging damage to determine if food has spoiled.
- Are sell-by dates the same as expiration dates? No, sell-by dates are guidelines for retailers, while expiration dates indicate when a product should not be consumed.