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| What should be done with packages that have been stored at the proper temperature, but for longer periods than recommended by the manufacturer? | to Top |
"Best if used by" dates are a storage guide for consumers. They contain a large margin of time in which quality remains acceptable and the food remains safe to eat. Examine the food for quality acceptability, but do not assume microbial spoilage has occurred if there are no signs of it. "Sell by" dates are pull dates because they are a guideline for the reailer to pull the items off of the shelves for best qualtiy.
VanGarde, Shirley J. and Margy Woodburn. 1994. Food Preservation and Safety. Principles and Practice. Iowa State Press, Ames Iowa., p. 37
Updated: Saturday, December 29, 2007.
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