A hand reaching into a refrigerator storing labeled food containers
Best-by and Use-by Dates
If you have leftovers in a store-bought package, it’s not a bad idea to check the “best-by” or “use-by” dates.
“Best-by dates are an indication of when to consume a food for peak quality and are not related to food safety,” says Tuell. “So long as it has been handled properly, such as keeping it refrigerated if it requires refrigeration, most foods can be safely consumed well past their date.”
Warriner recommends paying attention to the dates on deli meats, pasteurized soups, soft cheeses, and vacuum-packed meats. In those cases, the date is based on food safety.
