# How do I read food expiration dates and distinguish between "Use-By" and "Best Before" labels?

Canonical page: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/understanding-food-date-labeling-use-by-vs-best-before
Language: en
Category: nutrition
Publisher: ClinicsJo
Published: 2026-09-13T17:52:52.200Z
Content updated: 2026-09-13T17:52:52.200Z
Translation (ar): https://clinicsjo.com/ar/faq/understanding-food-date-labeling-use-by-vs-best-before

The meaning of dates printed on food packaging varies depending on the manufacturer's intent. Understanding these differences is essential for ensuring your safety and avoiding unnecessary waste. These labeling meanings differ by country and regulatory body. For instance, in British guidelines, the "Use-By" date relates to food safety, whereas "Best Before" refers to quality. In contrast, the American guidelines cited here sometimes use different terms with different meanings; therefore, you should read the package instructions and storage conditions carefully and never assume all dates carry the same meaning [\[4\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/understanding-food-date-labeling-use-by-vs-best-before#source-S4>)[\[5\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/understanding-food-date-labeling-use-by-vs-best-before#source-S5>).

## The Difference Between "Use-By" and "Best Before"

The "Use-By" date is the recommended final deadline for using a product while it is at its peak quality and safety. This phrase typically appears on perishable foods like meat, fish, and ready-to-eat meals. From a health perspective, you should not consume food past this date because exceeding this limit may put you at risk of food poisoning, even if the product looks fine in terms of smell or appearance [\[5\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/understanding-food-date-labeling-use-by-vs-best-before#source-S5>). Conversely, "Best Before" or "Best if Used By" indicates that the product will lose its optimal flavor, texture, or quality after this date, but it remains safe to eat unless it shows obvious signs of spoilage such as mold, texture changes, or off-odors [\[4\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/understanding-food-date-labeling-use-by-vs-best-before#source-S4>).

## Understanding "Sell-By" and "Freeze-By" Dates

In addition to safety and quality dates, you may find the phrase "Sell-By" on some products. This is intended for retailers to determine how long a product should be displayed on shelves to effectively manage inventory; it does not indicate safety for home consumption after purchase [\[4\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/understanding-food-date-labeling-use-by-vs-best-before#source-S4>). As for "Freeze-By," this is a technical guideline indicating the date by which the food item should be frozen to maintain the best possible quality; it is less about product safety and more about preserving the original nutritional properties [\[4\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/understanding-food-date-labeling-use-by-vs-best-before#source-S4>).

## How to Judge Food Safety and Avoid Waste

Relying on sensory inspection (smell or taste) to determine the safety of foods that have passed their "Use-By" date is a dangerous and incorrect practice, as you cannot see or smell the bacteria that cause food poisoning [\[5\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/understanding-food-date-labeling-use-by-vs-best-before#source-S5>). Instead, follow these steps: adhere to the storage instructions on the package; proper refrigeration helps extend the product's lifespan within the allowed period. If products are refrigerated or frozen correctly, they remain safe as long as they are within the specified dates. For more details on making informed dietary choices, you can view [Reading Nutrition Labels: Your Guide to Understanding Ingredients and Making Healthy Choices (Arabic)](<https://clinicsjo.com/ar/articles/reading-nutrition-labels-guide-healthy-choices>).

## Important Exceptions and Recommendations

A vital exception must be noted regarding infant formula; the law requires manufacturers to place a "Use-By" date as a strict requirement for safety and nutritional quality. You must never use the product after this date has passed to ensure the infant receives the required nutrients in the amounts stated on the packaging [\[4\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/understanding-food-date-labeling-use-by-vs-best-before#source-S4>). For other canned or frozen foods, monitoring the packaging condition—such as dents, rust, or damage to the can—is an immediate indicator to avoid consumption regardless of the printed date, as these signs may indicate internal spoilage or microbial contamination [\[4\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/understanding-food-date-labeling-use-by-vs-best-before#source-S4>).

## Medical references

- [Food Product Dating | Food Safety and Inspection Service](<https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/food-product-dating>)

- [Student guide to food safety and hygiene - GOV.UK](<https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/student-guide-to-food-safety-and-hygiene/student-guide-to-food-safety-and-hygiene>)

General health education; not a substitute for individualized clinical assessment.

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