WHAT DOES BEST BEFORE REALLY MEAN?

Just how ‘bad’ is that cake mix sitting in your cupboard? It turns out, it may not be as bad as you think.

When asked to shed some light on expiry dates as people begin reaching farther into the back of their pantry cupboard shelves, Maria Verdicchio, the community manager for Foodmesh, pointed to I Value Food, produced by Sustainable America, as a great resource.

Here are five things to consider when looking at expiration dates, according to an infographic on Ivaluefood. com:

■ The “best-by” date doesn’t indicate an expiry date, but rather takes note of the “manufacturer’s estimate after which food will no longer be at peak quality.”

■ The “sell-by” date indicates a manufacturer’s suggested timeline for a retailer to sell a product so that it “will still be of good quality for a reasonable amount of time after the purchase.”

■ Milk is often good for a week after its “sell-by” date, provided it has been unopened and stored properly (kept in the refrigerator). For all dairy products, avoid consuming anything that smells ‘off’ or has a change in colour.

■ Temperature is key to maintaining food safety, keeping in mind the “danger zone” of 40 F to 140 F (4 C to 60 C) in which bacteria can grow rapidly.

■ The date listed on meat such as ground beef or pork indicates “peak quality,” not expiry. When handled properly, meats can be “frozen indefinitely.”