Use-By vs Best-Before vs Sell-By: What Food Dates Really Mean

Sell-by: inventory, with regional restrictions

USDA’s federal overview describes “sell-by” as a store inventory date, rather than a safety date. Date-labeling phrases.

California restricts consumer-facing “sell by” labels on covered foods made on or after 1 July 2026 and sold in the state. See the statute for its scope and exceptions. Section 82001(b), (e)–(g).

Best if used by / before: quality

USDA describes “Best if Used By/Before” as a peak-quality date. It does not supply extra refrigerated days for a particular food. Date-labeling phrases.

Use-by: check the applicable meaning

For covered foods made on or after 1 July 2026 and sold in California, “USE by” and “USE by or Freeze by” identify safety dates; “BEST if Used by” identifies quality. Section 82001(a)–(b).

USDA’s federal overview describes a quality “use-by” example, with an infant-formula exception. That overview is not a universal definition of regional labels. Date-labeling phrases / state egg-label rules.

Do not buy or use infant formula after its use-by date. USDA explains that this date concerns labeled nutrient amounts and acceptable quality. Dating Infant Formula.

Storage still matters

• Follow package storage directions; keep refrigerated food at 40°F (4°C) or below. FDA Storage Basics.
• Normal smell or appearance cannot prove safety. FDA Storage Basics.

Discard despite the printed date

• Discard perishables left at room temperature more than 2 hours, or 1 hour above 90°F (32°C). FDA Storage Basics.
• Discard suspicious or moldy food and leaking or bulging cans. FDA Storage Basics / Non-Refrigerated Items.

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Guides: How to tell if food is bad · The 2-hour rule