Why do foods have a use by date on them?

Food safety: Use-by dates are used to ensure food safety and to help consumers avoid consuming food that has spoiled or become unsafe to eat.

Quality: Use-by dates also provide consumers with an indication of when the food is likely to be at its best quality. After the use-by date, the food may still be safe to eat, but its flavor, texture, and nutritional value may have declined.

Legal requirements: In some jurisdictions, use-by dates are required by law. These laws are designed to protect consumers and to ensure that they have access to safe and wholesome food.

Manufacturer guidelines: Even in jurisdictions where use-by dates are not required, many manufacturers choose to include them on their products as a way to provide consumers with information about the shelf life of their products.

It's important to note that use-by dates are not the same as best-by dates or sell-by dates. Best-by dates indicate when the food is likely to be at its best quality, while sell-by dates are used by retailers to manage inventory. Use-by dates are the most important date to follow, as they indicate the date after which the food may become unsafe to consume.