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

"Sell by" dates mean nothing to consumers, but they've managed to result in millions of tons of food waste per year.

California will ban ‘sell by’ labels, replacing them with clearer ‘use by’ and ‘best if used by’ dates to reduce waste.

Food items have several dates printed on them, including a sell-by date in some cases. Here's what that means and whether or ...

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 ...

Food labels such as “sell by,” “use by” and “best by” have long been confused for expiration dates on grocery products.

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 ...

The different types of expiration dates on meat, poultry, egg and dairy products sometimes create confusion. Some have a "sell-by" date. Others come with a "use-by" date. Still others bear a ...