Some of you may be wondering when you buy a product how long will it last! Well here is a list…….
There are 3 dates on products that help us know how long. Here they are with a description explaining what they mean…
Use-by date
-this is the last date recommended for the use of the product while at peak quality as determined by the manufacturer of the product.
Best if Used By (or before) date
-Recommended date for best flavor or quality, It is NOT a purchase or safety date.
Sell-by date
-Tells the store how long to display the product for sale. Be sure to buy the product before the date expires.
How long can I safely store and use Food
Milk – If stored around 37 degrees Fahrenheit, pasteurized milk will remain fresh for 2-5 days after its sell-by date.
Meat – All meat (whether it’s ground hamburger or a steak) should be eaten or placed in the freezer within 2 days of purchase. Even if the sell-by date is 5 days away, the refrigerator at home usually isn’t cool enough to keep the meat fresh for more than two days. Frozen ground meat should be used within 3 months. Pork holds for 6 months. Beef, lamb, veal, and venison last 8 – 12 months in the freezer.
Chicken – Chicken should be cooked or frozen within 2 days of purchase. Poultry and other birds last about 12 months in the freezer.
***Do NOT thaw meat or poultry on the kitchen counter. Bacteria multiplies rapidly at room temp. The safest way to thaw poultry or meat is to defrost it by placing the package in the refrigerator immediately after removing it from the freezer or by placing the package under cold running water.
Canned Foods – Be sure to store them below 75 degrees Fahrenheit. In general, high-acid foods such as tomatoes, grapefruit, and pineapple can be stored on the shelf 12-18 months: low-acid canned foods such as meat, poultry, fish, and most vegetables will keep 2 to 5 years.
Cake Mix, Pasta, or Cookies – Store in a cool, dry storage place and they will last up to 6 months from the date of purchase.
Cold cuts/ Hot Dogs – Discard them as soon as they reach their expiration dates.
Soft Cheese (i.e. Brie and Camembert) – Should be eaten within 3 to 4 days of opening
Hard Cheese – Last up to three weeks and can also be frozen up to 6 months
Eggs – Properly refrigerated and handled, eggs are considered safe for consumption for 4 to 5 weeks beyond the sell-by date. Did you know that you should refrigerate the eggs in their origianl carton and place them in the coldest part of the refrigerator not in the door!!
Personal Care Items
Liquid Foundation – 3 to 6 months (Cream foundation 4 – 6 months)
Concealer – 6-8 months
Powders – 1 year
Mascara – 3 months
Lip gloss or Lipstick – 1 year
Eye or Lip Pencils – 1 year (Pencils should be sharpened once a week to prevent bacteria from being transferred to your eye.
Facial Cleansers & Moisturizers – 6 months
Facial Toners – 1 year
Body Lotion – 2 to 3 years, especially if in a pump
Shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel – 3 years
Sunscreen – check for expiration date. When it comes to my children I am very careful with this! Go back to the old saying when in doubt, throw it out!! Remember that your children can get a sunburn in the winter also!! Especially if the sun is bouncing of the snow!! 🙂
Perfume – 2 years if kept in a cool, dark place
Nail polish – 1 year
Hair styling products – 3 – 5 years
Bar Soap – up to 3 years
Shaving cream – 2 years
Deodorant – 2 years
***Please note that these are not a promise but just a guide to go by! When it comes to product always go back to the saying when in doubt, throw it out!! Always be especially careful with food product and when buying cans on clearance make sure they are not dented. This can cause bacteria to form and may cause food born illness.
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