How to interpret dates on packaged foods?

Pack Date

This is the actual date when the product was processed and packaged by the manufacturer.

Sell by or Pull Date

This date is the last day, the retailer may display and sell the product. It assumes, that the consumer will have enough to store and use the product safely.

Best if used by Date

This is an advisory date by the manufacturer to the consumer, ensuring acceptable product quality.

Most of the canned products (vegetables, fruits, meats, reduced milk) are safe for about 12 months, if stored at temperatures between 50 and 70º F. Stored at higher temperatures, degrade the quality. Canned products should not be frozen, it may burst open seal and make them exposed to contamination.

Canned pickles, may lose quality after 3 months. Indian pickles contain high salt and acid, making them acceptable for up to one year.

Expiration Date

Consumer is advised to discard foods beyond this date. Two points should be noted:

1. The Federal or state agencies don't regulate or enforce this date with the exception for Infant Baby Formula and pharmaceuticals.

2. Expiration date on eggs is misleading. This is the last day, the eggs can be sold as 'fresh'. The eggs remain safe for 30 days past the expiration date. In fact, I recommend using eggs past 10 days beyond the expiration date for making hard boiled eggs more peel-able.