FOOD EXPIRATIONS DATES EXPLAINED
ARE YOU REALLY GOING TO EAT THAT? PRODUCT DATES EXPLAINED...
There seems to be a lot of confusion out there in regards to product dates and terminology on food. Product Dating, well, is just that.
“Open Dating” (use of a calendar date as opposed to a code) on a food product is a date stamped on a product’s package to help the store determine how long to display the product for sale. It can also help the purchaser to know the time limit to purchase or use the product at its best quality. It is not a safety date. After the date passes, while it may not be of best quality, refrigerated products should still be safe if handled properly and kept at 40 °F or below. If product has a “use-by” date, follow that date. If product has a “sell-by” date or no date, cook or freeze the product as soon as possible.
TYPE OF DATES
• A “Sell-By” date tells the store how long to display the product for sale. You should buy the product before the date expires.
• A “Best if Used By (or Before)” date is recommended for best flavor or quality. It is not a purchase or safety date.
• A “Use-By” date is the last date recommended for the use of the product while at peak quality. The date has been determined by the manufacturer.
• A “Closed or coded dates” are packing numbers for use by the manufacturer.
WHAT ABOUT FROZEN PRODUCTS?
Once a perishable product is frozen at the proper temperature, it does not matter if the date expires because food kept froze continuously is safe indefinitely. Daily Deals Food Outlet freezes perishable items before the date on the package which extends the life of the product. Packaging is important to the quality and appearance of frozen foods. Products exposed to air can develop “freezer burn”, which does not affect the safety of the product, but can impact taste and quality.
“Open Dating” (use of a calendar date as opposed to a code) on a food product is a date stamped on a product’s package to help the store determine how long to display the product for sale. It can also help the purchaser to know the time limit to purchase or use the product at its best quality. It is not a safety date. After the date passes, while it may not be of best quality, refrigerated products should still be safe if handled properly and kept at 40 °F or below. If product has a “use-by” date, follow that date. If product has a “sell-by” date or no date, cook or freeze the product as soon as possible.
TYPE OF DATES
• A “Sell-By” date tells the store how long to display the product for sale. You should buy the product before the date expires.
• A “Best if Used By (or Before)” date is recommended for best flavor or quality. It is not a purchase or safety date.
• A “Use-By” date is the last date recommended for the use of the product while at peak quality. The date has been determined by the manufacturer.
• A “Closed or coded dates” are packing numbers for use by the manufacturer.
WHAT ABOUT FROZEN PRODUCTS?
Once a perishable product is frozen at the proper temperature, it does not matter if the date expires because food kept froze continuously is safe indefinitely. Daily Deals Food Outlet freezes perishable items before the date on the package which extends the life of the product. Packaging is important to the quality and appearance of frozen foods. Products exposed to air can develop “freezer burn”, which does not affect the safety of the product, but can impact taste and quality.
NEW STUDY HOPES TO CLEAR UP CONFUSION ON PACKAGING DATES
BY LINDA SIMMONS | FEBRUARY 21ST, 2019
A new study by Johns Hopkins University says many people are throwing out good food because of confusion about the dates on the packaging. Owners of Christian County Discount Freight and Grocery say they have known for years that most food past the date is still good to eat. They sell a lot of groceries that are discontinued, seasonal, closeouts, banged up boxes and cans, and lots of stuff that is out of date. Owner Todd White says their groceries are probably about half and half, in date and out of date.
The USDA estimates that about one-third of all food is wasted by retailers and consumers. And that study by Johns Hopkins University found it's because of so much confusion about the dates that say sell-by, best-if-used-by, or use-by. Experts say in most cases, those dates mean the quality of the item may decrease but it's still okay to eat for some time.
"The things we do have out, I would take home and feed to my kids, which I have for the last 11 years," said White. "So if it's not safe, or we feel like it's not fresh enough, we don't put it out."
White says their business is constantly growing, especially since they moved from Nixa to their new location in Ozark. But more are also learning the truth about food dates. They even give customers information and encourage them to do their own research.
The USDA estimates that about one-third of all food is wasted by retailers and consumers. And that study by Johns Hopkins University found it's because of so much confusion about the dates that say sell-by, best-if-used-by, or use-by. Experts say in most cases, those dates mean the quality of the item may decrease but it's still okay to eat for some time.
"The things we do have out, I would take home and feed to my kids, which I have for the last 11 years," said White. "So if it's not safe, or we feel like it's not fresh enough, we don't put it out."
White says their business is constantly growing, especially since they moved from Nixa to their new location in Ozark. But more are also learning the truth about food dates. They even give customers information and encourage them to do their own research.
OUR VISIT TO DISCOUNT FREIGHT AND GROCERY
BY CRYSTAL PAINE | AUGUST 10, 2019
Our family met up with all of my extended family this past week in Lampe, MO for our annual week at the lake trip. On our way home, we stopped at Lambert’s Cafe in Ozark, MO for lunch.
I had mentioned this on Instagram stories and one of my followers messaged me and said we had to check out this discount store that was close to Lambert’s called Christian County Discount Freight & Grocery.
It just so happened, that we were at the gas station right down the road when I read the message and it just so happened that we had some wiggle room in our day. So I asked Jesse if we could run into the store to check it out.
I had mentioned this on Instagram stories and one of my followers messaged me and said we had to check out this discount store that was close to Lambert’s called Christian County Discount Freight & Grocery.
It just so happened, that we were at the gas station right down the road when I read the message and it just so happened that we had some wiggle room in our day. So I asked Jesse if we could run into the store to check it out.
