Read the Label

A number of terms are found on food products to indicate freshness and the age of the product. Described below are some of the more common methods of product dating.

• Sell By: when a date is stamped after the words, "sell by" on a product label, it is an indication that the food store may display the product for sale until that date and the consumer should purchase the product before the date expires.
  
  
• Best if Used By, Best if Used Before, or Best Before: a food product with the words, "best if used by" or "best if used before", followed by a date, indicates that the optimum flavor and quality can be enjoyed if the product is prepared before the date shown. The date does not indicate that product is unsafe to eat after the date has passed.
  
  
• Use By: a food product label showing the words "use by" followed by a date, indicates the final date that the product should be used. The grocer is not allowed to sell the product after this expiration date and it is recommended that the consumer not use the product after the date has passed.

Most commercially prepared and packaged food products are required to provide nutritional information on the food label. Foods such as raw, market ready meat cuts and fresh bakery items are exempt from this requirement.

The nutritional data shown on the label includes calories, fat and cholesterol content, protein, fiber, sugars, sodium, and various vitamins and minerals. The nutritional information is based on the serving size, which is always listed at the top, followed by the approximate number of servings contained in the package. Similar food products base the nutritional data on a similar serving size to allow the consumer easy nutritional comparison of similar products.

The inspection and grading of certain food products in the United States is an important step in assuring a safe food supply. Certain foods, such as poultry and red meat, undergo mandatory inspection by the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) and carry a USDA seal to indicate this.

Example of a USDA Inspection Seal

If a product is raw or partially cooked, the label may provide information for proper cooking. Some products are precooked, so the food label will indicate that the product is "fully cooked" or "ready-to-eat". Some of these ready-to-eat products require refrigeration while others can be stored at room temperature. Products, such as canned goods, are precooked, but taste much better if they are heated before they are consumed. These products are known as "heat and eat".

Some product labels, such as those for raw meat, contain instructions for safe handling to prevent foodborne illness. Proper food handling practices should always be followed. Consider the following list:

• Wash hands thoroughly before handling and preparing foods.
  
  
• Be aware of cross contamination during food preparation.
  
  
• Thaw meat in the refrigerator.
  
  
• Cook food completely.
  
  
• Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold.
  
  
• Promptly refrigerate leftovers.