What does the calendar date on packaged food indicate?

The calendar date on packaged food primarily indicates the expiration date or the last day that the product is deemed safe to consume for optimal quality. This date serves as a guideline for both consumers and retailers, ensuring that food products are used while still fresh and safe. It's important to note that after this date, while food may still be safe to eat, its quality could deteriorate, potentially affecting taste, texture, and nutritional value. This practice helps to minimize food waste and ensures that customers are aware of when to use or discard their food items for the best experience.

Other dates, such as manufacturing dates or sell-by dates, serve different purposes. A manufacturing date indicates when the product was made and may not necessarily provide information about its safety or quality over time. The sell-by date is mainly useful for retailers, indicating the date by which the product should be sold to ensure quality for consumers. The shipping date refers to when the product was sent out to retailers and has no direct relation to the safety or quality of the food itself.