eli5: Why do some refrigerated products have a “Best buy” date, instead of an expiration date?

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Edit : Best if used BY*

I went to Ralph’s today for this queso dip I usually get. It’s a refrigerated product kept in the dairy department. It had a Best By date of AUGUST of THIS year (don’t ask me why. I almost thought about informing a staff member but didn’t want to look stupid if it wasn’t a huge deal). The queso did not have any expiration date written on the product. I sadly just decided to not get it. I understand that Best If Used By dates are technically different from Expiration dates.. but how much different when it comes to refrigerated products? If I purchased it& waited a few days to a week or two before consumption , I wouldn’t know when it would for sure expire..

In: 70

10 Answers

Anonymous 0 Comments

Only product that has a federal rules for a date is Infant Formula.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/food-product-dating

Meat and dairy I look at the dates more than other stuff. Day goods I have had stuff 4-5 years past the date and it is still perfectly fine to eat. The flavors and texture might not be 100% but it is still ok to eat

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