how important are expiration dates on food?

Question

I have a friend who worked at a Coronado cafe where he was fortunate enough to meet Dr. Oz, and has since found reason to be concerned about the safety of the food. It is improperly stored and refrigerated. He told me of an incident where the owner left cases of chocolate milk in a storeroom overnight and wanted him to put it in the cooler and sell to an unsuspecting public. She is selling frozen foods as fresh, does not provide hair nets or visors to her employees and does not keep the handwashing sink supplied with paper towels or soap. This friend relayed to me that he actually pulled hair out of the cutting board. His suggestions regarding the correction of these issues resulted in being fired for "insubordination". This probably sounds like a disgruntled ex-employee; it is actually concern from a man who's been in the food industry for over 30 years and cares about what people eat. He'd like to get you all fat, whereas Dr.Oz wants to thin us down, but still...! Feel free to call me @ 858-761-7751

Answer 1

Expiration date refers to when product will be at peak of effectiveness or quality but is edible ten days after date. The sell by date is from mfg and refers to peak of quality. The use by date refers to quality and safety for consumption. Eating after the date is risky health issue. The balance of Seeker's entry may have been added for personal reasons beyond forum's objective.