Food Product Dating Terms
The labeling on a package of hot dogs may contain one of several different types of dates. Product dating is voluntary and not required by Federal regulations. If a date is used, it must also state what the date means.

* "Sell-By" date tells the store how long to display the product for sale. You should buy the product before the date expires.
* "Use-By" date is the last date recommended for use of the product while at peak quality. This date has been determined by the manufacturer of the product.
* "Best if Used By (or Before)" date helps consumers by stating a precise date for best flavor or quality.
* "Expiration Date" helps stores and consumers by stating the shelf-life or the last day product should be used while it is wholesome.


Safety After Date Expires
Except for "Use-By" dates, product dates don't refer to home storage and use after purchase. If a "Sell-By," "Best if Used By (or Before)," or "Expiration Date" date expires during home storage, a product should be safe and wholesome if handled safely and kept at 40 F or below.

Source: FSIS, USDA

Related Articles

Sausage Storage Chart ■■■■■■■■■■
Sausage: Storage Guidelines - All sausage except dry sausage is perishable and therefore must be kept . . . Read More
Shelf Life ■■■■■■■■■■
Shelf Life: Shelf life refers to the length of time food will last without spoiling. In the US., many . . . Read More
Wire fence at top500.de■■■
Wire fence: We can produce welded mesh fence, high security fence, barbed wire, farm fence, rolltop fence . . . Read More
Curry ■■■
Curry: ; A curry is a dish with a sauce seasoned with spices, mainly associated with South Asian cuisine. . . . Read More
Malgogi ■■■
Malgogi is Jeju horsemeat. Since Goryeo times, horses have been raised in Jeju and the meat is not eaten . . . Read More
Ice Milk ■■■
Ice Milk refers to a sorbet to which a small amount of milk has been added. It is lighter and icier than . . . Read More
Hechsher ■■■
Hechsher refers to the special marking found on the packages of products that have been certified as . . . Read More
Reglisse / Réglisse ■■■
Reglisse / Réglisse is the French word for "liquorice (licorice)", as in Bâton de Réglisse or liquorice . . . Read More
Supply Pomegranate Juice Concentrate at top500.de■■■
Supply Pomegranate Juice Concentrate: Dear Purchase Manager : - ; I'm offering you Fruit Juice Concentrates,Fruit . . . Read More
Supply Sour cherry juice concentrate (2008 crop) at top500.de■■■
Supply Sour cherry juice concentrate (2008 crop): Dear Purchase Manager : - ; I'm offering you Fruit . . . Read More