This Is What Best-By, Use-By, and Sell-By Dates Really Means.. How long is food good after the sell-by date?

2Understand what those labels really mean
“Sell by,” “use by,” and “best by” are actually all dates determined by the food manufacturers, and they’re the manufacturers’ best guess as to food quality—not food safety. Basically, they indicate how long a food producer will guarantee their product will still be at peak quality to enjoy.