useby

Useby refers to the use-by date printed on perishable foods. It is the date after which the product may be unsafe to consume, even if it looks and smells fine. Use-by dates are intended to protect health by indicating the period during which stated storage conditions will keep the food safe.

The labeling and meaning of use-by dates vary by jurisdiction, but in many regions the date is mandatory for items that spoil quickly, such as fresh meat and fish, dairy, and ready-made meals. After the use-by date, retailers are generally not allowed to sell the product, and consumers are advised to discard it. Storage conditions printed on the package, such as refrigeration, are critical to maintaining safety up to the use-by date. Some products may remain safe until the date if unopened and properly stored, but opening or improper storage can shorten the safe period.

Use-by dates are distinct from best-before dates, which relate to quality rather than safety, and from sell-by dates, which guide retailers on stock rotation. The use-by date is a safety deadline, while best-before dates indicate when flavor and texture may start to decline.

In practice, consumers should check the date before purchase and again before consumption, store foods as directed, and not rely on appearance or smell to judge safety. When in doubt, discard the item. The regulatory framework for use-by labeling differs between regions; some areas have strict requirements, while others rely on voluntary labeling and consumer education.