"Best by" Dates
Labels with phrases like "Best if Used by," "Enjoy by" and "Fresh through” indicate when product has the best flavor or quality. It is not an expiration date. The product can be consumed after this date, but it may no longer meet the company's standard for freshness. It's difficult for manufacturers to pinpoint exactly how long foods will stay good, given variables like how long they sit on loading docks and how they're stored in people's homes. Regardless, the USDA says most shelf-stable foods are safe indefinitely. In fact, canned goods can last for years, if the can itself is in good condition (no rust, dents or swelling). Packaged foods like cereal, pasta and cookies will also be safe past the "best by" date, although they may eventually become stale or develop an off flavor.
"Sell by" Dates
The "Sell by" date tells the store how long to display the product for sale and is useful for inventory management. Much like the "best by" date, it is not related to food safety and does not mean the food is spoiled.
"Use by" Dates
A "Use by" date is the last date recommended by the manufacturer to use a product before peak quality starts to decline. Much like the "best by" date, it doesn't indicate food safety, except when used on an important product: infant formula. Baby formula consumed by this date ensures the formula contains nothing less than the quantity of each nutrient described on the label.
"Freeze by" Dates
A "Freeze by” date indicates when a product should be frozen to maintain peak quality. It is not a purchase or safety date.
Storage times for frozen meat can vary from one month to up to a year, depending on the type of chicken, pork or beef -- from a quality perspective. But because freezing stops the clock on spoilage and prevents the growth of food poisoning bacteria, it is safe to eat no matter how long a food is frozen.
Foods that have been in the freezer for months may be dry, or may not taste as good, but they will be safe to eat.