Navigating the world of food expiration dates can be confusing, especially when it comes to “Best By” labels on canned goods. It’s a common misunderstanding that these dates are strict deadlines for when food is safe to eat. In reality, they are simply a guide for how long a product will maintain its best quality.
This guide will help you understand how to safely use canned items like corn, green beans, and tuna long after their “Best By” dates.
Understanding “Best By” Dates
A “Best By” date isn’t an expiration date. It’s a quality indicator. This date is the manufacturer’s best guess for how long the food will stay at its peak freshness and flavor. For properly stored canned goods, this often means they can be eaten safely for a long time past the date on the label.
“Best by” dates do not indicate an exact time limit for safe ingestion. Instead, they simply suggest how long the food will stay fresh and tasty.
