There are three types of dates you may see on a food label; sell by, best if used by or pack date. Sell by indicates the last day the store can sell the food to ensure its freshness. Best if used by is suggested for optimal quality. It will be safe to use after that date but you will get the best quality by that date. Pack date is when the food was manufactured, processed or packaged. If you need to return a product to the store because of poor quality, often the manufacturer will ask about this date on the package.
Continue Learning about Nutrition
Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.