Many shoppers assume the date printed on food packaging marks the exact moment an item becomes unsafe, but that belief is often misleading. Most labels are meant to guide quality, not safety. “Sell-by” dates help stores manage inventory, while phrases like “best if used by” or “use by” usually point to peak flavor and texture rather than danger. In fact, aside from infant formula, U.S. food regulations do not require expiration dates on most products. Understanding this distinction helps reduce unnecessary food waste while still making informed choices.
That said, dates still matter for certain foods where safety can decline quickly. Harmful bacteria don’t always announce themselves with a bad smell or visible spoilage, which means food can appear fine while posing a risk. This is especially true for items that are highly perishable or frequently handled. Knowing which foods demand extra caution is key to protecting your health, even when the package looks perfectly normal.
Some refrigerated items have a shorter margin for error. Liquid egg substitutes should be used promptly after opening, as they spoil faster than whole eggs. Soft cheeses—including ricotta, cream cheese, feta, and goat cheese—are also more vulnerable to mold and bacterial growth and should be discarded once past their recommended date or after several days of use. Prepared foods like potato salad or egg salad, as well as jarred condiments used repeatedly, can become contaminated over time and should be monitored closely.
Animal-based foods and certain produce require the most careful judgment. Fresh meat, fish, and deli products should be cooked or frozen within safe timeframes, as bacteria can spread quickly, especially in ground or sliced items. Unpasteurized juices, shellfish, leafy greens, berries, and sprouts also carry higher risks and shouldn’t be consumed past their safe window. When in doubt, the safest approach is to throw questionable items away. Knowing how to interpret food dates and recognize high-risk foods makes everyday eating both smarter and safer.