Do Food Expiration Dates Really Matter?

Do Food Expiration Dates Really Matter? My friend Kim and I were talking today about food expiration dates. For all you who stockpile out there remember to rotate you stockpile and check your expiration dates every so often. The article on Web MD about food expiration dates was very helpful to me. I liked the information about the Sell by" date. The labeling "sell by" tells the store how long to display the product for sale. You should buy the product before the date expires. This is basically a guide for the retailer, so the store knows when to pull the item. This is not mandatory, so reach in back and get the freshest. The issue is quality of the item (freshness, taste, and consistency) rather than whether it is on the verge of spoiling. The "sell by" date is the last day the item is at its highest level of quality, but it will still be edible for some time after.
"Best if used by (or before)" date. This refers strictly to quality, not safety. This date is recommended for best flavor or quality. It is not a purchase or safety date. Sour cream, for instance, is already sour, but can have a zippier, fresh taste when freshly sour (if that's not an oxymoron!)
Use by" date. This is the last date recommended for the use of the product while at peak quality. The date has been determined by the manufacturer of the product. Hope that the article is helpful.