Shelf-stable food storage
Do Canned Food Expiration Dates Matter?
Except for infant formula, federal food dates generally describe quality rather than safety. Can condition and storage still matter.
Official decision table
| Food or condition | Action or period | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Best if Used By | Quality date | Not generally a safety deadline |
| Sell-By | Inventory date | Not a safety date |
| Use-By | Peak-quality date | Exception: infant formula |
How to make the decision
Shelf-stable only means a product can be kept at room temperature before opening. A Keep Refrigerated label, damaged package, or opened container changes the storage rule.
When a package provides stricter storage or discard instructions, use the package. People at higher risk from foodborne illness should be especially conservative with refrigerated perishables.
What to do now
- Record how long the refrigerator, freezer, or package was outside its intended temperature range.
- Use a food or appliance thermometer when a temperature reading is available.
- Apply the exact row above instead of relying on smell, appearance, or a taste test.
- When the time or temperature is unknown, choose the safer action.
Check the underlying storage record
Use the complete FoodKeeper database for normal pantry, refrigerator, freezer, after-opening, and after-thawing periods.
Primary source
USDA FSIS Shelf-Stable Food Safety. ShelfDate has reorganized the applicable rows for readability without replacing the official decision criteria.