Don't Toss It Yet! Understanding Sell By vs Best Before Dates (Flour, Semolina & Tinned Tomatoes)

Understanding Food Dates: Keeping Your Kitchen Safe and Savvy

At Pasta Kitchen, we're passionate about creating delicious pasta dishes. But we also want to help you make the most of your ingredients!
This guide explores the difference between "sell by" and "best before" dates, focusing on common pantry staples like flour, semolina, and tinned tomatoes.
This knowledge empowers you to reduce food waste and make informed decisions in your kitchen.

Food Safety First: What's a "Use By" Date?

It's important to be aware that some food items have a "use by" date. This date is a food safety marker set by the manufacturer. Do not consume food after the "use by" date as it may pose a health risk. You'll typically find "use by" dates on perishable items like fresh meat, fish, and ready-to-eat salads.

So, When Does the "Sell By" Date Matter?

The "sell by" date is not a food safety indicator. It's intended for retailers to manage stock rotation. Food can still be safe to consume after the "sell by" date, provided it's stored correctly and within its "best before" timeframe.

Best Before Dates: Your Guide to Freshness, Not Safety

The "best before" date tells you when a food item is likely to be at its peak quality in terms of taste, texture, and aroma. After this date, the food may not be at its best, but it's generally still safe to eat. Use your senses (sight, smell, and taste) to determine if the food is still good.

Flour, Semolina & Tinned Tomatoes: A Closer Look

Flour:

• Best before: Typically 1 year from milling.
• Storage: Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
• Past "best before": Flour might lose some baking power over time, but it's still safe to use.

Semolina:

• Best before: Varies depending on the brand, usually around 12 months.
• Storage: Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
• Past "best before": Similar to flour, semolina may lose some texture over time, but it's still safe to use.

Tinned Tomatoes:

• Best before: Typically 2-3 years from the canning date.
• Storage: Store in a cool, dry place.
• Past "best before": Tinned tomatoes might lose some flavour, but they're still safe to eat. Check for bulging cans or leaks – discard any damaged cans.

Food Standards Agency Guidelines:

For more information on food labelling and date marking, refer to the Food Standards Agency website: https://www.food.gov.uk/.

Final Note: Trust Your Senses!

Always follow proper food storage guidelines. If food appears mouldy, discoloured, or has an off smell, discard it. Don't be afraid to use your senses – sight, smell, and taste – to determine if food is still good after the "best before" date.

Ready to Get Cooking?

At Pasta Kitchen, we're passionate about sharing delicious and inspiring pasta recipes. Visit our website, www.pasta.kitchen, to explore a world of culinary possibilities!