When is food 'out of date'?

A lot of food is thrown away when it goes 'out of date' before being used, but what's the difference between 'use by', best before' and 'display until'?

If a food you by is marked as 'use by' a certain date, that's exactly what it means. If we by foods with a 'use before' date, we need to remember to eat them before that date expires.

But foods marked 'best before' are usually longer lasting and are safe to eat after that date, although they might have lost some flavour or texture. Obviously, you need to use common sense, by looking, smelling and generally checking the food is still sound and considering just how far out of date it is for that sort of product. 

Shops often mark products as 'sell by' or 'display until' and when that date is approached or reached, you can get a bargain when they are reduced. But unless they are marked 'use by' that date is discretionary. Use your common sense as, with 'best before.'

Use this information to help you throw away less food.