When food says "sell by" a certain date, can it be eaten past that date?

Question

Some food says "sell by" and some says "use by." Is there a difference between the two? If there is, how much longer can food be eaten for if it has a sell by date?

In this case it applied to bread.

Answer 1

There are generally four types of dates on food:

"Sell by" or "pull by" - This is mostly for the manufacturer to tell grocers when the product should stop being sold. It does not mean the product is bad once it reaches that date. For example, milk can be safe and still have its flavor seven to 10 days after the sell-by date. Chicken can be good for one to two days after that date.

"Best if used by" (or "before") - This is a date recommended by the manufacturer for the best flavor, texture or quality. It does not mean the product is no longer safe to eat once that date has passed.

"Use by" (expiration date) - This is the last date on which the product should be eaten. It may appear like this: "Do not use after January 1, 2006." Food is no longer safe to eat after this date. Throw it out.

Closed or coded dates - These are packing codes, which help track the product as it is shipped across state lines. These usually appear on cans and some boxed goods and refer to the date when the product was packaged. Having such a date helps the manufacturer know where the products are in case of a recall. These dates are not "use-by" dates.

Answer 2

Sell by and use by are different. Use by is pretty plain...use by said date or chunk it. Sell by typically has a 3-4 day window starting with the sell by date.

Speaking of dates, if you put leftovers in your fridge with a temp of 41 degrees F or less, it will keep up to 5 days. Then it should thrown out - even if it does not look like a science project.

If you purchase raw, thawed poultry the sell by date usually is several days out. Unfortunately, you must cook or freeze poultry within 2 days of purchase. That came straight from Purdue. On the 3rd day after purchase - 3 days before the sell by date - mine smelled like vinegar - not normal chicken-gone-bad odor. Purdue rep said that indicated the broth injected into the chicken had gone bad b/c the chicken had to be frozen or cooked within 2 days of purchase.

Answer 3

I generally go around a week past the sell date before tossing stuff. If you're talking bread, just give it a sniff and a quick scan for mold. It can be just fine weeks past the date, although perhaps a bit stale.

Answer 4

Yes there is a difference. Sell by is when the grocer is to pull it off the shelf. Use by is just what it sounds like. It usually say BEST If used by.
It really depends on the product and how it was stored. Meat or other perishables can make you ill if it is spoiled. Other items may just loose their cruch, etc.

Answer 5

I'm pretty sure the "use by" date is the expiration date, I wouldn't eat it if it is past the expiration date.

The "sale by" date tells the grocery store workers when to stop selling the food if it is past the date.

Answer 6

Yes, if its only a little past the sell by date it should be fine. It's the experation and use by date that you should be more concerned with. If you're really worried, then don't eat it just to be safe, but it should be fine. good luck!

Answer 7

I don't think there is a difference between the two, but I still think you can eat the product even though it is after the date listed, just make sure it doesn't look funky or smell wierd.

Answer 8

This depends on the food and what conditions it has been left in. It is not advisable to eat dairy procucts past their use by date. With anything else, eat it.

Answer 9

I have a fear of food poisoning, so I either use it or throw it out by the "sell by"/"use by" date.

Answer 10

if its a canned good then you can probably eat it but like chicken or hamburger or something like that no.