Food Expiration Dates: Do They Really Matter?
Whether you’re unpacking a grocery haul or preparing meals in a commercial kitchen, chances are you’ve glanced at a date on a food label and wondered, "Is this still okay to eat?"
It’s a common question, and for food service professionals, it's not just about taste or quality - food safety compliance and public health are at stake too.
Understanding food expiration dates is essential for anyone handling, preparing, cooking, or serving food. In this blog, we break down what those labels really mean and why paying attention to them is more than just a good habit.
What Are Food Expiration Dates?
Not all food date labels mean the same thing and misunderstanding these labels contributes to unnecessary food waste and, in some cases, unsafe food handling. Here’s what you need to know:
Expiration Date
This date is used on products like infant formula and nutritional supplements. After this date, the product may not provide the nutrients listed on the label and should not be consumed. In addition to indicating a potential reduction in the item's quality, expiration dates also provide an indication of the date from which the item may be unsafe to consume.
Best Before Date
Commonly found on perishable foods, this indicates the period when the product is at its peak freshness, flavour, and texture. It doesn’t mean the food is unsafe after this date, but quality may diminish.
"Packaged On" or "Manufactured On" Dates
These are not indicators of food safety, but can help retailers rotate stock and track inventory.
The Importance of Food Expiration Dates
In a professional kitchen or service environment, ignoring food expiration dates isn’t just a bad habit - it’s a liability.
Using expired or improperly stored food can lead to:
- Food-borne illness outbreaks
- Failed health inspections
- Loss of business reputation
- Potential legal action
Every server, cook, or manager plays a role in food safety. One misread label or overlooked product can put customers at risk and the business in jeopardy.
Learn more about the dangers of consuming expired food in our dedicated blog - The Hidden Health Risks of Eating Expired Food.
How to Read and Interpret Food Date Labels Accurately
Here are five practical tips to avoid confusion and ensure compliance:
- Check date labels before using any item, especially perishable foods.
- Rotate stock using the FIFO (First In, First Out) method to minimise waste.
- Store food correctly to maintain freshness and safety
- Discard any items that have passed their expiry date
- Pay attention to how food looks, smells, and feels - but always follow date labels first
Personal Accountability in Food Safety
Food safety is a shared responsibility, but it starts with the individual. Whether you’re in a restaurant, daycare, food truck, or care facility, being aware of food expiration dates is a basic but vital part of keeping people safe.
When in doubt, throw it out. That simple rule could be what prevents a serious incident.
Stay Informed, Stay Safe
Understanding how to read and act on food date labels is part of your professional duty. If you work in the food service industry, staying informed about best practices isn’t optional. It’s essential.
Visit the Userve homepage to learn how we can support your career with training, resources and insights designed specifically for Canada’s service professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a best before date and an expiration date?
An expiration date indicates when a product should no longer be consumed for safety reasons, while a best before date relates to quality - the food may still be safe to eat after this date but could lose freshness, flavour, or texture.
What happens if a food business uses expired ingredients?
Using expired food can lead to food-borne illness, failed inspections, customer complaints, and even legal consequences. It compromises both customer safety and business reputation.
Do frozen foods still expire?
Yes. Freezing slows down spoilage but doesn’t stop it entirely. Frozen foods can degrade in quality over time and may still have best before or use by dates that should be followed.
