Federal law does not require most food expiration dates. Learn how food date labels work and what really signals spoilage.

They aren't expiration clocks. Best-by dates don't reflect safety, so foods often remain edible well beyond the printed date. Manufacturers add built-in buffers to best-by dates, allowing many ...

Most dates are about quality, not safety. “Sell by” = store stock; “best by” = taste; “use by” = pay closer attention (esp. refrigerated). Infant formula is the exception Use the 3 checks: stored ...

Most expiration dates indicate quality, not safety. Experts say to check smell, color and texture—especially for meat, dairy and produce.

You reach into your pantry for a can of tomatoes to make shakshuka, black beans for an easy weeknight casserole, or tuna for a classic melt, but before you open the tin, you notice it's just past its ...