“Open Dating” (use of a calendar date as opposed to a code) on a food product is a date stamped on a products package to help the store determine how long to display the product for sale. It can also help the purchaser to know the time limit to purchase or use the product at its best quality. It is not a safety date.

Are sell-by and use by dates the same?

A Sell-By date tells the store how long to display the product for sale for inventory management. It is not a safety date. A “Use-By date is the last date recommended for the use of the product while at peak quality.