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Know Your Dates: Use-By vs. Best Before Explained

9/25/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The use-by date indicates safety; consuming past it risks health, especially with perishables.
Best before dates relate to quality and permit wiggle room when stored properly.
After the use-by date, avoid meat, poultry, fish, soft cheese, and fresh ready meals.
Pasta and rice may be safe past best before if stored correctly; supplements may expire, affecting potency.

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Story summary

The use-by date indicates safety; consuming past it risks health, especially with perishables.
Best before dates relate to quality and permit wiggle room when stored properly.
After the use-by date, avoid meat, poultry, fish, soft cheese, and fresh ready meals.
Pasta and rice may be safe past best before if stored correctly; supplements may expire, affecting potency.