Food date labels: what to check before saving a date

Read the label in its regional context

In the United States, date wording and rules can vary by product and jurisdiction. USDA explains that many quality dates are not safety deadlines; infant formula has a specific use-by requirement. California also distinguishes quality and safety wording in its current date-labelling rules. Read the actual label and local guidance rather than assuming every “use by” statement has the same meaning.

Keep the original information close

When entering a product, copy the package date carefully and check the order of day, month and year. Numbers such as 04/05 can be ambiguous across markets. Changing an app preference later should not be used to “fix” a date without checking the original package.

If you scan a printed date, review the recognized result before saving. A batch number, glare or a folded label can produce a plausible but wrong result. Manual entry is a useful fallback, especially when the print is unclear.

Use reminders to plan an earlier check

A reminder helps you return to the product and its instructions. It cannot know whether storage was correct, when a pack was opened or whether an item has been recalled. Treat an approaching date as a prompt to plan, not a reason to take a food-safety risk.

• Read both the date wording and storage directions.
• Check any instructions for the period after opening.
• Confirm scanned dates against the physical label.
• Follow current official advice for your region when uncertain.

Record a decision without losing its context

Before It Expires helps organize the date alongside the product and quantity. Keep the packaging information available when it matters, and update your stock when food is used or discarded. A tidy list is helpful only when it reflects the food in your kitchen.