Finding perfect date takes some explanation
No, we are not talking about that special person in your life but rather about the date on your food packages. According to research most people have a difficult time understanding the date stamps that are found on food products.
Most people are under the impression that the date stamps serve as a safety date but this is not true. The safety date serves as a guide to allow you to serve food at its best quality.
There are several examples of date stamp phrases that are used by the industry which include “Use-by” which means this is the last day to eat a food in order to get its best quality. “Exp. Or Expiration” means that this is the last date the food will be considered safe to eat. “Sell-By” means that this is the last day the food should be sold.
Food items can be safely eaten after the date if they have been stored properly. And “Best if used by” means that these foods should be eaten before this date for the best quality. These foods can still be safely eaten after the date if they too have been stored properly.
However, there are exceptions to the date stamp rules when it comes to some products. For example eggs have an expiration date stamp which refers to the guaranteed grading quality of the egg, which is assigned from a USDA inspector. Purchase eggs from the store before the date stamp has passed, but remember that eggs are safe to use three to five weeks after the expiration date.
For proper storage, keep eggs in the original carton and place on a shelf at the back of the fridge. Do not keep eggs in the door.
Another exception is infant formula which is federally required to have a “use-by” date stamped. If the date is missing, do not buy the formula. If the date has already passed, regardless of the phrase, do not buy the formula or throw it away.
Lastly, prepared produce that is ready-to-eat should not be eaten after the date has passed regardless of the phrase used with the calendar date.
Storing foods properly is critical in order to ensure safe foods to eat. Storage times and good food storage practices are recommended to help maintain the quality of the food.
In general, most fresh or uncooked products can be stored for one to two days in the refrigerator. Processed foods have a slightly longer refrigerator storage time of three to four days and even longer storage for shelf-stable products.
Be sure that your refrigerator is kept at 40 degrees Farenheit or below for proper storage.
With frozen foods, keep track of the storage time by dating the package. Foods that have been frozen for a long time can have a lower quality from freezer burn, although the foods are still safe to eat.
Do not use food if it has an off-flavor, off-odor, mold or looks different than normal. These are signs of spoilage and bacterial growth, which could cause a food-borne illness.
Remember this food safety rule: when in doubt, throw it out!
Information from this article was adapted from the Food Safety and Inspection Service, USDA. Food Producting Dating. Food Safety and Inspection Service, USDA. Freezing and Food Safety.
If you need any additional information about food safety contact me at melisa.rhodes@ag.tamu.edu or contact at the Van Zandt County Extension office at 903-567-4149.
Melisa Rhodes is a Van Zandt County Texas A&M Agrilife Extension agent.
