The dates on food packaging can be pretty confusing. We think of them as expiration dates, but they say things like "sell by" or "best by" or even "use by." Does that mean we should throw a food product out by then? Not necessarily. These dates are not mandated by law, but were determined by food manufacturers. Often it's the date that quality or taste can no longer be guaranteed. Stores use these dates to keep their products properly rotated, selling the oldest products first so the newer products can take their place. Consumers don't know what criteria was used to determine such dates, and does it make a difference is the food is sealed or unsealed before that date? How about if we freeze it? How do we tell if a food product is too old to eat? Read about expiration dates- how they are determined, what they really mean, and how to judge the safety of your food at The Conversation. -via Damn Interesting
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