This date indicates when stores must remove products. Food will be safe to eat after this date if it has been refrigerated. Dairy products will usually be edible at least one week longer than the sell-by date. Eggs will be kept for 3 to 5 weeks after the listed date. Foods that use sell-by or pull dates include milk, yogurt, cottage cheese, cream, eggs, lunchmeats, and packaged salad mixes.

This date is a recommendation to consumers when the product’s flavor or quality is highest. It is not a purchase or safety date.

This date, typically found on canned foods, crackers, cookies, and spices, indicates the date the product was packaged. Manufacturers and retailers use it to track inventory, rotate stock, and locate items in the event of a recall. Since each manufacturer may use its own dating system, it can be hard for consumers to interpret the date.

• Packages of food will be safe for long periods after the pack date, but may not be as flavorful.
• Canned foods will be safe but may have changes in taste and texture for many years after this date.
• If the container has bulges or dents, throw it away.
• Any product with a broken seal or “off” smell should not be eaten.

This is the last date recommended to ensure a product’s peak quality. The manufacturer of the product has determined the date.

Expiration dates are printed on infant formula, baby food, vitamins, over-the-counter drugs, yeast, baking powder, cake mixes, and pectin. 

• Expires 2/15/27
• Do not use after 2/15/26

Infant formula, baby food, and over-the-counter drugs should never be consumed after the expiration date because they may not function in the body as initially intended. Leavening agents like yeast will be safe but may not be as effective after this date. The same applies to baking mixes and pectin used for jams and jellies.

It is best if foods with a long shelf life are used before expiration, but they may begin to lose flavor or develop off-flavors. The date indicated estimates how long the food will be of optimum quality. Quality is defined as odor, taste, and texture; it is not a measure of safety.

If the product smells or tastes bad or the seal on the package has been broken, don’t use it. Packaged food mixes, such as macaroni and cheese, boxed soups, bakery products, cheese, some canned foods, cold cereals, peanut butter, and mayonnaise often use this date stamp.

Wash and drain produce before removing cores, pits, seeds, and skins. Wash small amounts at a time, change the water several times, and do not let the produce soak. This will prevent harmful bacteria from entering the produce tissues through the natural openings.

For fruits, determine how to prevent discoloration, if needed, and select your packing type. Most fruits have a better texture and flavor if packed in sugar or syrup.

For vegetables, follow appropriate blanching times and cool quickly by plunging into cold ice water, then drain. Blanching is to scald vegetables in boiling water or steam for a short time.

Pack food in freezer-safe containers. Food expands when frozen; be sure to leave sufficient space between the top of the packed food and the closure of the container to allow for that expansion. Label the container with the product name and the current date. Freeze at 0 F or below and use within 8 to 12 months for the best quality.

Freezing does not refresh baked goods; it can only maintain whatever the quality of the food was before freezing.

Eggs can be stored in the refrigerator for at least one month. To store longer, crack eggs and mix the yolks with the whites. To prevent graininess, add 1 Tablespoon of sugar or ½ teaspoon salt per one cup of egg mixture. Strain through a colander to improve uniformity. Leave an inch of empty space (headspace) at the top of the container. Do not freeze eggs in the shell.

For best quality, double wrap.

Find additional information about freezing fruits on Extension's Food Preservation website.

Check for holes in trays and plastic wrap of fresh meat. Rewrap if needed. For best quality, double wrap.

For best quality, double wrap.