SnapLarderMost dates on American food are about quality, not safety. According to the USDA, only infant formula has to carry a date by federal law.
What each label means
| Label | What it tells you | A safety date? |
|---|---|---|
| Best if used by / before | When the food will taste best | No |
| Sell by | How long the store should display it | No |
| Use by | The last date for peak quality | Only on infant formula |
| Freeze by | When to freeze it to keep peak quality | No |
Can you eat food after the date?
Usually, yes. The USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service says food should still be safe and wholesome after its date if it has been handled properly, until it shows signs of spoiling. Food that has spoiled shouldn't be eaten, whatever the date says.
Infant formula is the exception. Don't use it after its use-by date.
"Handled properly" does the work in that sentence. Keep food as the label says, and put cooked food in the fridge within 2 hours.
Why the labels are so confusing
Outside infant formula, manufacturers choose whether to date their food and which words to use. The USDA recommends "Best if Used By", because research shows shoppers understand it as a quality date, but nothing makes anyone use it.
It adds up: the USDA estimates that 30% of the food supply is lost or wasted at the retail and consumer levels.
Leftovers have their own clock
Once you cook something, the date on the packet stops counting. The USDA says leftovers keep 3 to 4 days in the fridge, and should be reheated to 165°F. For the holidays, see how long Thanksgiving leftovers last.
Know what to eat first
SnapLarder scans the barcode, reads the expiration date and reminds you before it arrives. No account, no subscription.
Download on the App StoreSources: USDA FSIS, Food Product Dating; USDA FSIS, Leftovers and Food Safety. Checked October 2026. Outside the US? See use by vs best before.