About "Use By" Dates
Many people think the food is bad if past its use-by date. Not necessarily.
The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service tells us that use-by dates are set by manufactures, not the government, and are only estimates of when the food is of best quality.
“…even if the date expires during home storage, a product should be safe, wholesome and of good quality — if handled properly and kept at 40° F or below.” (Food Safety and Inspection Service’s “Food Product Dating” fact sheet of February 8, 2007)
Here is more on actual shelf life from the Southwest Virginia Second Harvest Food Bank Membership Handbook, July 2007:
| Product | Estimated Shelf Life past the stamped date |
Discard if: |
|---|---|---|
| Cans and Bottles | 1 to several years | Bulging or leaking or severe dents |
| Cereals and Crackers | 6 months to 2 years | Stale or insects present |
| Freezer products | 3 months to several years | Off odor or taste |
| Pasta | Several years | Insects or mold present or stale |
| Refrigerated juices/tea | 1 to 4 weeks | Mold present or off odor or taste |
| Dry rice | Several years | Insects or mold present |
| Yogurt | 1 to 3 weeks | Mold present or off odor or taste |