The difference between best-before and use-by dates, and how rigid are they?

When you glance at the date stamp on your food, do you pay attention to whether it says "best before" or "use by"? But Food Standards Australia New Zealand research shows 22 per cent of us misunderstand best-before dates, and 33 per cent misunderstand use-by dates. "Foods labelled with a use-by date should not be consumed and can't legally be sold after this date," explains the FSANZ spokesperson, because they may pose a health or safety risk. "Foods labelled with a best-before date can be consumed after the nominated date," the FSANZ spokesperson confirms, "as they should be safe but may have lost some quality." While it varies product to product, Mr Robertson says as "a rule of thumb", best-before products can last six months past the marked date.