Opening the refrigerator and tossing food because the date on the package has passed is a habit many people never question. It feels like the safest choice, but food safety experts say it often leads to unnecessary waste. In many cases, perfectly good food ends up in the trash long before it actually becomes unsafe to eat.

The confusion comes from the labels printed on food packages. Many shoppers believe those dates are expiration dates, even though most are not. Government agencies and food safety experts say understanding what those labels really mean can help families waste less food, save money, and still protect their health.

Most Date Labels Measure Quality, Not Safety

Cotton Bro / Pexels / The biggest misunderstanding is that every date printed on food signals the moment it becomes unsafe. That simply is not true for most grocery items.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture, known as the USDA, and the Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, both explain that most date labels refer to quality and freshness rather than food safety.

The phrase "Best if Used By" is one of the clearest examples. Manufacturers use it to indicate when a product is likely to taste its best or have its ideal texture. After that date, the quality may slowly decline, but the food is often still safe to eat if it has been stored correctly.

Another label that creates confusion is "Sell By." This date is intended for grocery stores, not shoppers. It helps retailers manage inventory and decide how long products should remain on store shelves. It does not tell consumers when food suddenly becomes unsafe.

Likewise, the phrase "Use By" is also widely misunderstood. For almost every food product, it marks the period when the manufacturer believes the item offers its best quality. It is not a strict food safety deadline for consumers.

Researchers say the problem has become even more confusing because more than 50 different date label formats are used across the United States. A major study found that many consumers still struggle to tell the difference between quality dates and true safety dates, leading to unnecessary food waste.

Only One Food Has a True Federal Expiration Date

Many people are surprised to learn that federal law does not require date labels on most foods. In fact, manufacturers generally choose to include them voluntarily to help consumers understand product quality.

The only major exception is infant formula. Federal regulations require a true expiration date because the product must provide complete nutrition for babies. After that date, the nutritional content may no longer meet an infant's needs, making it unsafe to rely on.

Food safety experts stress that infant formula should never be used after its expiration date. Unlike other grocery products, this is a genuine safety and nutrition deadline that should always be followed.

For nearly every other food, proper storage matters much more than the printed date. Refrigerated products kept at safe temperatures, and pantry items stored in cool, dry places often remain safe well beyond the date shown on the package.

Your Senses are Almost Always Better Than the Label

Towfiqu / Pexels / Instead of relying only on the printed date, food safety experts recommend checking the condition of the food.

Visible mold is one of the clearest signs that an item should be discarded. Strong or unusual odors, strange colors, or unexpected texture changes are also warning signs.

If food looks normal, smells fresh, and has been stored correctly, it may still be perfectly safe to enjoy. Many shelf-stable products remain edible for weeks or even months after the printed date, although their flavor or texture may gradually change.

Items such as unopened canned goods, crackers, dry pasta, rice, and breakfast cereals often last well beyond their quality dates. They may lose some crispness or freshness over time, but they rarely become unsafe simply because the date has passed.

Perishable foods deserve closer attention. Meat, poultry, seafood, and dairy products require careful handling and proper refrigeration. If they will not be used before the recommended quality date, freezing them can safely extend their storage life.