Skip to main content

What’s the difference between sell by and use by? Food industry to clarify terms

food expiration date clarity delivery
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Confused by the “sell by” date on your food? You’re not alone.

And now, two of the biggest names in the food industry are looking to assuage your concerns. On Wednesday, the Food Marketing Institute (FMI) and the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) announced the adoption of a new industrywide effort aimed at reducing the number of questions customers have about the safety of their food. In order to do so, a number of grocery manufacturers and retailers have come together to “adopt standard wording on packaging about the quality and safety of products.”

GMA pointed out that more than 10 different date labels are currently used on various food packaging. It’s unclear as to whether “Sell By,” “Use By,” “Expires On,” “Best Before,” or “Best if Used By” all mean the same thing, or have nuanced definitions that could mean the difference between a delicious dinner and a case of food poisoning. As a result, GMA and others in the industry are adopting a voluntary initiative to streamline date labels to just two standard phrases.

“‘Best If Used By’ will describe product quality, where the product may not taste or perform as expected but is safe to use or consume,” GMA said in a press release. “‘Use By’ applies to the few products that are highly perishable and/or have a food safety concern over time; these products should be consumed by the date listed on the package – and disposed of after that date.”

These changes could impact companies such as Innit, who want to digitize food in order to warn you when food in your fridge is going to spoil. Increased clarity could help inform your decision to use or toss that milk with or without a reminder from your fridge, though.

The hope is that this new nomenclature will begin to be adopted by the majority of food producers by next summer. “Our product code dating initiative is the latest example of how retailers and manufacturers are stepping up to help consumers and to reduce food waste,” said Pamela G. Bailey, the president and CEO of GMA.

“The shopper remains the most critical audience in our industry, and as the associations representing major food brands and retailers, we want to encourage a consistent vocabulary so that our customers clearly understand they are purchasing products that are of the highest quality and safety possible,” said Leslie G. Sarasin, FMI president and CEO. “While we all need nourishment, both retailers and manufacturers also want consumers to have the best experience possible in their stores and consuming their products.”

Lulu Chang
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Fascinated by the effects of technology on human interaction, Lulu believes that if her parents can use your new app…
Beatbot reveals futuristic AquaSense 2 Series pool cleaners at CES 2025
Beatbot AquaSense 2

The original AquaSense Series was wildly popular when it hit the market in early 2024, and at CES 2025, Beatbot officially revealed its successor, the AquaSense 2 Series. Consisting of three robotic pool cleaners and starting at $1,500, Series 2 models are designed to automate all aspects of pool cleaning. The high-end AquaSense 2 Ultra even incorporates AI technology into the mix, promising a superior clean.

AquaSense 2 is the most affordable of the trio at $1,499, yet the three-in-one pool cleaner is still pretty well-rounded. It can clean floors, walls, and the waterline, and can run for up to four hours before needing a recharge. Toss in obstacle detection, four unique cleaning modes, and an array of 16 sensors, and it’s well-suited for most pools.

Read more
Nanoleaf reveals three smart lights, plus a spooky LED face mask at CES 2025
A person holding the Nanoleaf Light Therapy Face Mask

Nanoleaf revealed a bunch of new products at CES 2025. Along with the usual lineup of smart lights, it also debuted an LED Light Therapy Face Mask, marking the brand’s first foray into the wellness industry. Like most light therapy masks, the one from Nanoleaf looks a bit terrifying. But since it’s an advanced Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Level 2 certified skincare device, it’ll likely become a popular choice among shoppers.

The Nanoleaf LED Light Therapy Face Mask is now available for preorder and costs $150. That makes it much more affordable than other devices, which can climb over $500. Despite the low price, it’s packed with useful features. This includes clinically proven red and Near Infrared Light (NIR) treatments to reduce fine lines, acne, and uneven skin tone, as well as stimulate collagen production.

Read more
The Dreame X50 Ultra robot vacuum can hop over small obstacles with ease
Dreame X50 Ultra

Robot vacuums offer a lot of convenience — provided you only need to clean one level. If an area is separated by steps, the robot needs a bit of help getting from one elevation to another. The Dreame X50 Ultra, the newest flagship vacuum from Dreame, has a lift system that allows it to climb over small steps up to 6 centimeters (about 2.36 inches) in height. The ProLeap System is among the first of its kind, with levers that let it hop over obstacles like cords, transition strips, and much more.

The Dreame X50 Ultra also comes with the VersaLift Navigation System that lets it drop low enough to clean under furniture like beds and couches. It drops the turret — the round part on top of the robot — and uses its onboard cameras to navigate around and avoid obstacles. With a clearance of 89mm, the Dreame X50 Ultra is the limbo champion of robot vacuums. It recognizes more than 200 potential obstacles and navigates around them.

Read more