What does the "sell by date" indicate?

The indication of a "sell by date" primarily serves as a guideline for retailers regarding how long a product can be displayed for sale before it is pulled from the shelf. This date helps ensure that consumers are purchasing fresh products and that the stock being sold is within a timeframe that allows for optimal quality and safety. Although the sell-by date is important for retail practices, it does not necessarily indicate when a consumer should discard the food or the optimal date for flavor and taste.

For consumers, it's important to note that many products can still be safe to consume after the sell-by date, as long as they have been stored properly and show no signs of spoilage. This reinforces the idea that while the sell-by date is crucial for shops to manage inventory, it does not serve as a definitive guideline for personal consumption or quality beyond that point.