Expired or Just Fine? Understanding Extended Shelf-Life Dates

By Sade’ Oyeyemi, Marketing Content and Grants Support

You’re about to cook breakfast when you notice the carton of eggs is past the sell-by date. It’s a scenario I know all too well. You’re wondering: “What does the sell-by date really mean? Are the eggs still safe to eat? And if so, how much longer can I keep them?” Continue reading as we dive into the details of extended shelf life dates.

What is a Shelf Life Date?

At The Foodbank, Inc., we rescue a variety of food items through our retail and restaurant partners. Understanding how much longer these items will last is key to the smooth operation of our organization. Shelf life is the period of time during which a material can be stored and still remain suitable for use. With the exception of infant formula, Federal regulations in the United States do not require product dating or standardized wording on product labels. The date printed on your packaged item often doesn’t mean it must be discarded immediately after that date. How long your food remains safe to consume depends on the wording of the date label.

Freshness Date

Freshness dates are typically labeled as “Sell By” or “Enjoy By” and apply to perishable items, which have an estimated shelf life of up to 60 days. This date marks when your product has reached its optimal freshness, but that does not make it unsafe to consume.

Quality Date

When you see “Best By” or “Best If Used By”, this refers to the quality of the food. Consuming products after this date may lead to a noticeable decline in quality, but they remain safe to eat. For more information about shelf-stable food safety, visit the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) website.

True Expiration Date

“Exp” or “Use By” indicates that the food has expired and is no longer safe to consume. Infant formula and medicine should be discarded after their expiration date. All other products can be checked with USDA extended shelf life dates.

Manufacturing Date

When a calendar date is listed, such as “MM/DD/YYYY,” it represents the manufacturing date, indicating when the product was made. If no specific wording is provided, this is not an expiration date.

Packing Code

Packing codes or lot numbers are a combination of numbers and letters used by manufacturers to trace and track products. These codes do not indicate the product’s shelf life or integrity. Instead, they allow the manufacturer to access information such as the production date, ingredients, and quality assurance information. In the event of a food recall, packing codes are crucial for identifying contamination or mislabeled items.

The Grace Period

Now that we’ve clarified the different phrases used on product labels, let’s focus on freshness and quality dates. There is a period after the labeled date during which the food remains safe to eat. Different types of goods have varying grace periods. Some items, like canned goods and pasta, can last for years beyond their labeled date. However, other foods, such as baked goods and milk, can only last up to 3 months past their guaranteed date when frozen. Check out the image below to see the USDA-approved extended shelf life grace periods:

Food Storage 101

Proper storage helps extend the freshness of your items. For frozen foods, it’s recommended to store them at 0° F to prevent bacteria growth. While freezer burn may affect the taste, it doesn’t mean the product has gone bad. Perishable items that require refrigeration should be stored at 40° F or below and kept in a container with a lid or a sealable bag. Non-perishable items can easily be stored in a cool, dry place, ensuring they are kept dry and protected from moisture.

When goods arrive at The Foodbank, we follow a thorough practice of carefully reviewing them before distribution to our neighbors. Items at home should also be checked for spoilage, with the most noticeable signs being changes in color or texture. Additionally, inspect the seams of packaged items before consumption. Canned goods should not have severe dents, containers should not be puffy or bulging, and any inner packaging should remain intact.

Marketing vs. Quality

Product labeling serves various marketing strategies, whether it’s to help grocery stores manage stock rotation or to create confusion, leading consumers to believe a product is no longer good. In response to these practices, California passed Assembly Bill 660 in October 2024 to better regulate food and beverage labeling. Starting July 1, 2026, this bill will require food items to be labeled based on quality and safety, rather than just conveying freshness. The approved terms for labels include “Best if Used by,” “Best if Used or Frozen by,” “Use by,” “Use by or Freeze by,” “BB,” and “UB.” While the phrase “Sell by” will be prohibited, it does not prevent the use of coded sell by dates that are difficult for consumers to read.

Why Knowing Product Dates Matters

Understanding extended shelf life dates allows you to safely consume food beyond its labeled date, helping to minimize food waste. It ensures you’re getting the most out of your household food, which saves you money. Additionally, knowing these dates helps prevent health risks associated with consuming spoiled or unsafe food. With this knowledge, you can make more informed decisions about your food, benefiting your budget, your health, and the environment.