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Best By vs Use By — what date labels actually mean
'Best by' is a quality guess, not a safety cliff. Most shelf-stable foods are fine days to weeks past the date; only infant formula has a legally mandated meaning.
Reviewed by Dr. Maya Iyer · RD, MPHLast reviewed 2026-02-25 · corrections log
The five common phrases
Best By, Sell By, Use By, Freeze By, Enjoy By — none except infant formula are regulated at the federal level. Use your senses first.
When to actually throw it out
Any off smell, mold, unusual sliminess, or bulging packaging — regardless of the printed date.
Sources
- USDA FSIS Food Product Dating
- FDA infant-formula rules
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