What the date on food packages means

Have you ever wondered just how long foods will actually last, and what do all of those dates on food packages really mean? We all want the freshest foods possible and want them to last once we get them home. Knowing how to decipher those dates on food packages can help make sure you get the freshest products and the most for your food dollars.

Let's get to the bottom of all of those dates: "sell by," "use by" "best by," etc.

Fresh, refrigerated products that are perishable such as milk, meats, fish, and poultry may have "sell by" dates. This is the date that the store must sell these products by or discard them. You should buy the product before the "sell by" date expires.

It is best to use the foods close to this date. However, "sell by" dates do not mean that the food is no longer good and needs to be destroyed after this date. If the product was stored and handled properly, it may stay in good condition after the "sell by" date on the package.

Always purchase eggs before the "sell-by" or expiration (EXP) date on the carton. Refrigerate eggs in their original carton in the coldest part of the refrigerator, not in the door. Use eggs within three to five weeks of the date you purchase them. The "sell-by" date will usually expire during that length of time, but the eggs should be safe to use.

A "best if used by" date is the date recommended for best flavor or quality. It is not a purchase or safety date. A "use by" date is the last date for the use of the product while at top quality.

These dates are provided by food manufacturers as a way for you to judge the quality and freshness of the product. Foods are at their best quality and freshness if eaten by this date. This is not necessarily a food safety date. Keep in mind though that if the product has not been stored or handled properly, the food may become unsafe before the "use by" date.

Some foods that are shelf-stable such as cans and boxes of food may have a code rather than a calendar date. This code is referred to as "closed dating." These codes are not meant for the consumer to interpret as "use-by" dates. Some cans may have a calendar date. If so, these dates are "best if used by" dates for best quality.

For the freshest products, buy the "youngest" ones available by comparing the dates on the packages. Keep perishable foods refrigerated and follow the Two Hour Rule – never leave perishable foods at room temperature for longer than two hours.

"When in doubt, throw it out" is also a good slogan to heed. If the food has an off odor, flavor, or appearance or has not been handled or stored properly, toss it. If a product has a use-by date, follow that date. For more information on determining how long foods will remain safe beyond the "sell-by" date, visit www.lsuagcenter.com/ouachita for a link to the USDA publication on "Food Product Dating."

Also checkout the Nutrition Connections Coalition for Northeast Louisiana at www.facebook.com/nutritionconnections.