Are "Best if Used-By" and "Use-By dates" for Food Quality or Food Safety?

The Food and Drug Association (FDA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) do not require use-by dates on food. The only exception is infant formula, which requires these dates to be on the packaging. While the federal government does not require use-by dates, some states and local municipalities have dating requirements (Food Safety and Inspection Service, 2015).

Food manufacturers may voluntarily use one of two dates to tell the consumer when the product is at its best quality or at its peak freshness. These dates describe the quality of the food, not the safety. These two dates are:

"Best if Used-By" (or before) date

Recommended for best flavor or quality.

"Use-By" date: 

The last recommended date for using the product while at peak quality. The product's manufacturer has determined this date.

What is a "Sell-By" Date?

"sell-by" date:

This tells the store how long they should display the product for sale. The product should be purchased before this date.

Pennsylvania state law requires producers of two products to label their food items with a Sell-By date. Those products are pasteurized milk and shucked shellfish such as clams. Pasteurized milk producers need to label containers "Sell-By" followed by a date. State law also requires producers of shucked shellfish to state "Sell-By" or "Best if Used-By" on the label, followed by a date.

How Long Can Food Be Stored at Home?

Store your food according to USDA guidelines by using the FoodKeeper app or website. This resource provides guidelines for foods stored in the pantry, refrigerator, and freezer to be used at peak quality and freshness and to reduce waste.

Use a refrigerator Thermometer to ensure that your refrigerator and freezer are working properly.

When preparing these three recipes, start with clean countertops and utensils. Wash your hands with soap and water. Wash the whole, fresh produce under cold, running water by gently rubbing the onion and garlic, and scrubbing the carrots and winter squash with a clean vegetable brush.

Easy to Prepare Winter Squash

Fresh winter squash, including Hubbard and acorn, are rich in vitamin A and fiber but can be a challenge to prepare. It's hard to cut! Here is an easy method to cook fresh squash (Spend Smart Eat Smart, n.d.).

When preparing the recipe, start with clean countertops and utensils. Wash your hands with soap and water. Wash the winter squash under cold, running water with a clean vegetable brush.

• Pierce the hard outer skin with a fork or paring knife.
• Place the squash on a microwave-safe dish and microwave it on high for 6 to 8 minutes.
• Allow the squash to cool. After the squash has cooled, it will be soft and easy to cut.
• Place the softened squash on a cutting board and cut off the top and bottom.
• Cut in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds with a spoon.
• Place each half face down on the same dish. Add ½ cup of water and microwave for 5 more minutes. 
• Check for tenderness by piercing with a fork. If not tender, cook for another 3 to 5 minutes.
• Allow to cool and use squash as directed in the recipe.

To watch a short video, click on the QR code.

Spend Smart. Eat Smart. (n.d.). How to prepare winter squash. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

Savory Squash Soup Recipe

6 servings | serving size: 2 cups

Ingredients

• 1 Tablespoon olive oil
• 2 onions, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup canned tomato puree
• 5 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 4 cups cooked winter squash
• 1½ Tablespoons dried oregano
• 1½ Tablespoons dried basil

Instructions

1. In a large saucepan, warm the oil over medium heat.
2. Stir in onions, carrots, and garlic.
3. Cook for about 5 minutes, covered.
4. Stir in the tomato puree, broth, cooked squash, oregano, and basil. Bring the soup to a simmer. Cover and cook for 30 minutes.

Recipe adapted from USDA Snap-Ed Connection:  Squash Soup

Nutrition Information: Calories 124, Fat 3g, Sodium 647mg, Carbohydrates 24g, Fiber 7g, Protein 3g

Tip: Use no salt added broth and tomatoes when available.

Bowl of squash spoon with spoon Credit: US Department of Agriculture

Canned Beef in Natural Juices

Canned beef is ground beef cooked in its own juices with a small amount of salt added for flavor (USDA, 2012). It is ready to use without heating or to add to your favorite recipe. 

Store unopened cans of beef in a cool, clean, dry place.

If there is any leftover beef in the can, store it in a tightly covered container (but not the can), refrigerate, and use within 3 days.

Canned beef can be used in barbecue beef, pizza, soups, stews, spaghetti sauce, vegetable stir-fry, and casseroles.

Easy Meat Sauce Recipe

6 servings | serving size: ¾ cup

Ingredients

• 1½ cups cold water, divided
• ½ cup chopped onion
• 1 Tablespoon chili powder
• 15 ounces of canned beef, drained
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour

Instructions

1. Mix ¾ cup cold water, onion, and chili powder in a skillet; add beef; bring to a boil.
2. In a small bowl, mix flour with the remaining ¾ cup of cold water to make a smooth paste. Add to beef mixture.
3. Stir and cook over medium heat until thickened.

Recipe adapted from Household USDA foods fact sheet beef with natural juices, canned.

Nutritional Information for 1 serving (about ¾ cup sauce) of Easy Meat Sauce: Calories 180, Fat 8g, Sodium 850mg, Carbohydrates 6g, Fiber 1g, Protein 20g

 Tip: Serve over rice, spaghetti, refried beans, or in a tortilla shell

Spaghetti noodles topped with quick meat sauce with broccoli, a glass of milk, and a side dish of sliced baked apples.  Credit: US Department of Agriculture

U.S. Department of Agriculture. (2012). Household USDA foods fact sheet beef with natural juices, canned.

Learn more about cooking healthy on a budget! Contact Nutrition Links to see if you are eligible for free nutrition classes: scan the QR code, call 888-778-3535 or email nutritionlinks@psu.edu

Food Safety and Inspection Service. (2015). Kitchen companion your safe food handbook. U.S. Department of Agriculture. USDA Kitchen Companion