Best Use By Date: This is for the stores and is more about taste. The producers feel that after this date the food may lose some of its flavor.
Expiration Date: Again this is more for the stores and is about taste not whether a food has gone "bad"
Packed on Day: This is simply the day the package was put in a box.
Sell by: Another message for the store to assure the taste and flavor is good
Best used by: The flavor may change after this date or possibly become discolored but doesn't mean it isn't good to eat.
Be more careful with baby formula though. Although after the expiration date the formula is still okay to use, some of the nutrients may go down.
Cans can be used 2-5 years after post date.
Pasta lasts at least 2 years.
Dairy and Meat
Milk you can use 2-3 days after the expiration date (do a taste and smell test). Store at the back of the fridge and not in the door.
Eggs you can use 3-5 weeks after purchase. Store in the back on the fridge, not in the door.
Poultry - Use 1-2 days after you buy it but can store 9-12 months in the freezer.
Meat - 3-5 days - store 9-12 months in freezer
Where to store food
How long to store food in the fridge
Expiration Dates - When to toss food out
