How to Read Food Expiration Labels
These days you need to find out what the inscription on your fresh and packaged foods mean. There are so many terms being used today. Finding out what each one mean is important because it can effect your overall health.
- Look for a label on fresh foods that says, "Use by.” It also can be found on the bottom of food containers. The date shows the last day it is advised to eat or drink the product. This means that it could be harmful for you to consume it.
- Find a label that has the "Best before" date on longer lasting food items; for example, those packed in air-trapped containers. This saying indicates the date is the last day when the food is at its best quality.
- Do not mistake the above-mentioned safety food labels with "Sell by" or "Display until" inscription. They do not have anything to do with the product’s expiration date or quality.
- Search on the package for these words: “Expiration date.” It will appear on liquid diets, foods that are for very low-energy diets, meal substitutions, nutritional enhancements and infant formulas. The food will not have the same nutrient substance on the stated label, after the expiration date. If the expiration date has ended, throw away the food.
- Look for the phrase “Durable life.” It indicates the expected extent of time a non-sealed food item will keep the freshness, taste and nutritional value. Also, you can tell the other qualities when the product is stored under the right conditions.