I remember a time when I confidently reached for a ready-to-eat meal from the fridge, only to hesitate as I glanced at the packaging.  When did I last investigate the sell-by date? There is always that lingering question when I reach for TCS (Time/Temperature Control for Safety) foods. It is a reminder that these are convenient, but there is an important step I cannot bypass.

This sign was more than just a good habit. It is a necessary one for my health and the quality of the meals that they deliver. Knowing the importance of these dates is half the battle, at least regarding my cooking habits. Now, we will look into why it is crucial to be aware of and identify these dates, as they are both for safety purposes and as a guide to enjoying better taste.

Why Should Ready-to-Eat TCS Food Be Marked?

The latter is not only a best practice but is 100% necessary to implement for the sale of fresh produce meats and TCS ready-to-eat foods. That is one very important date, and you must never fail to check on it!

Food Safety

I cannot emphasize this enough: use by date. Food safety is important.  Sell-by date is when you should not eat it after to avoid foodborne illnesses. Certain foods, such as cooked meats, dairy, and salads, can be at risk of harmful bacteria if not stored or consumed properly. This allows you to look at the sell-by date and make an educated decision, ensuring your health and that of your loved ones.

Quality Assurance

You want your meals to taste delicious, right? TCS foods are best enjoyed fresh. By adhering to the sell-by date, you ensure that you’re eating food at its peak flavor and texture. Noting down all these dates lets you eat your meals at the perfect time. I have discovered that my dining experience becomes richer when I make it a point to follow these dates, and I am less likely to be disappointed.

Waste Reduction

Mark your food with use-by dates to help reduce food waste for all of us. There is a big problem with food waste around the world, and being not only someone who hates throwing out food but also lives in one of the most expensive places, I make every effort to ensure that as little food goes bad. If you know the exact time a food item is to be eaten, you can do your meal planning accordingly. I always use reminders on my phone to remind me to consume some things by a specific sell-by date to help make sure I get everything eaten that I can and help reduce waste. Besides helping save money due to food wastage, it also helps one live sustainably.

What does the marked date mean for ready-to-eat TCS food?

Well, all right, but what does this date stand for? The sell-by date is, usually enough, the last day on which a store should offer that item for sale. But it is also a telltale sign of its culinary value. Here’s how it breaks down:

Sell-By Date

This is mostly only for retail. It informs them of how long they can list the product for sale. But it is a cautionary tale for you to eat the food while it is true! Remember, this is not the expiration date but the best-by date.

Best Before Date

This date tells you when the food should taste or have the best texture. This date is not a safety date, and it may not be a delicious product after this tentative peak storage time. For me, this is more about enjoying eating than just building a defensive wall.

Use-By Date

This is the last date recommended for using the service. This is the date when you should stop eating that product. If it is beyond this date, I would suggest forgoing the rest to play it safe and avoid any health risks. This enables me to know exactly what food is still edible and needs to be thrown away.

For How Many Hours Can You Eat and Store Ready-to-Eat TCS Food?

The general rule is:

Storage Time

Refrigerated TCS foods should be consumed within 3 to 4 days. This seems rushed, and it is, but it helps us plan the meal a bit better. If it will sit for longer, freeze it! Freezing can prolong the product’s life quite a bit, sometimes even for months! Remember to always thaw it properly in the refrigerator, never at room temperature.

Consumption Time

If you prepare or open a TCS food item that is at room temperature, try to eat it within 2 hours of preparation/ opening. If it is being kept warm say in a warming tray, you can probably stretch that to 4 hours, but I recommend sticking to 3. Trust your gut—if it smells a little funny or looks odd, enter on the safe side. If my phone is nearby, I even set reminders to tell me to eat leftovers within 2 hours!

How to Mark Sell-By Dates

Now that we know why sell-by dates are so important let’s delve into how to date and mark your TCS foods properly. Here’s what I do:

Use Clear Labels

You could spend the money on some decent labels or stickers. Use color-coded labels so everyone knows what needs to be used up soon at a glance. You can also write the date directly on the packaging, but a dedicated label stands out better. I personally prefer using different colors for different foods as this is how I instinctively process food categories.

Follow the FIFO Method 

FIFO stands for “First in, first out.” This means aged items should be used first. After shopping, make space for new groceries by placing them behind what you already have in your fridge or pantry. I always do this when I bring groceries home to ensure we eat the older stuff first anyway. It’s a primary method of organization that helps prevent spoilage.

Stay Organized 

Organize your fridge and pantry. They might be stocked with healthy, nourishing ingredients, but if you can’t find any of them, it doesn’t help. I like to organize things by like items and have the more perishable stuff closer to the top. This way, I can see what needs to be used very soon and avoid surprises. Before grocery shopping, I like to do a quick pantry check and ensure I buy what I need.

Labeling your ready-to-eat TCS foods with a sell-by date is essential for multiple reasons. This improves food safety and keeps the quality up and waste down. Simple, no more thinking work to enjoy ready-to-eat meals at home, you can eat a milkshake — will be healthy and tasty. The next time you grab a TCS meal, have a look at the sell-by date. They are easy and make you feel of money, but also good about what is consumed in your body. Eat hearty, but always be safe with food.