use-by dates
Food safety cutoffs
Use-by dates are the dates printed on perishable food products indicating when they should be consumed for optimal safety and quality.
Unlike "best by" or "sell by" dates, which primarily concern freshness or store inventory, use-by dates carry stronger implications about food safety—consuming items past this date may pose health risks.
Check the use-by date on that milk before you pour it.
The term extends metaphorically to anything perceived as having a limited window of relevance or usefulness.
Period before spoilage
- perishableProne to decay
- ripeReady to eat
- crispFirm and breakable
- spoilageFood degradation process
staleness · peak · unspoiled · flavor · quality · degradation · deterioration · decay
Waste burial ground
- compostDecayed organic fertilizer
- discardDeliberately throw out
- overconsumptionExcessive use of resources
- scrapsSmall remaining pieces
environmental · sustainability · expiry · confusion · precautionary · edible · donation · redistribution
End of validity
- packagingProtective product enclosure
- stampingForceful foot motion
- codingWriting software instructions
- printingReproducing text mechanically
legibility · format · standardization · embossing · traceability
Introduction of impurities
- bacteriaNucleus-free single-celled organisms
- salmonellaFoodborne bacterial illness
- listeriaFoodborne bacterial infection
- foodborneSpread via consumed items
illness · pathogens · microorganisms · toxins · mold · refrigeration · temperature · storage
U.S. health regulator
- complianceAdhering to requirements
- standardsAccepted levels of quality
- legislationOfficial enactment of statutes
- guidelinesSuggested rules for behavior
enforcement · inspection · recalls · USDA · audits · penalties · sanctions · mandatory
shelf-life
Period before spoilage
- perishableProne to decay
- ripeReady to eat
- crispFirm and breakable
spoilage · staleness · peak · unspoiled · flavor · quality · degradation · deterioration · decay · wilting
landfill
Waste burial ground
- compostDecayed organic fertilizer
- discardDeliberately throw out
- overconsumptionExcessive use of resources
scraps · environmental · sustainability · expiry · confusion · precautionary · edible · donation · redistribution · methane
expiry
End of validity
- packagingProtective product enclosure
- stampingForceful foot motion
- codingWriting software instructions
printing · legibility · format · standardization · embossing · traceability
contamination
Introduction of impurities
- bacteriaNucleus-free single-celled organisms
- salmonellaFoodborne bacterial illness
- listeriaFoodborne bacterial infection
foodborne · illness · pathogens · microorganisms · toxins · mold · refrigeration · temperature · storage · cross-contamination
FDA
U.S. health regulator
- complianceAdhering to requirements
- standardsAccepted levels of quality
- legislationOfficial enactment of statutes
guidelines · enforcement · inspection · recalls · USDA · audits · penalties · sanctions · mandatory · voluntary
- Food Regulationfood standards, food inspection, food safety, health codes, allergen labels
- food safetyfood safety, food hygiene, food handling, food poisoning, contamination