How to read food labels... ‘Use by’

The “use-by” date is printed on food that goes off quickly, such as smoked fish, meat products and ready prepared salads.

Don’t consume any food or drink after the end of the use-by date on the label because eating it after this date could put your health at risk.

For the use-by date to be a valid guide, you must follow storage instructions such as keeping the product in a fridge.

Once a food with a use-by date on it has been opened, you also need to follow any instructions such as “eat within three days of opening”.

If a food can be frozen, its life can be extended beyond the use-by date.

But make sure you follow any instructions on the pack, such as “cook from frozen” or “defrost thoroughly before use and use within 24 hours”.