Photo: Getty Images/Fernando Trabanco Fotografia
A LOT of us are set in our ways. Janet says once the milk in her home says it's expired, she throws it out. But was it still good to use? For most people it's a choice, and it doesn't mean your decision is wrong. But there is a difference in "Use By" dates and "Best By" dates. According to a study in the "Journal of Nutrition and Education Behavior," only 64% of adults know what the label "Best If Used By" means, and only 44.8% know what the "Use By" label means.
So here's what they actually mean. "Best If Used By" dates appear on products with a longer shelf life and denote the amount of time the food will be in good condition. If the date has passed, you may be able to still eat the food safely, but the quality might not be what you are used to or expect.
"Use By" dates are for products with shorter shelf lives and food that exceeds that date should be thrown away as it's deemed to be unsafe to eat.
Pretty clear now right? You can always stick with the rule "when in doubt, toss it out."