The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) estimates that we lose or waste 30% of our food. Sometimes we throw away good food because of confusing dates on packages. These dates are not an indication that food is unsafe to eat. Manufacturers put dates on packages to help the store determine how long to display the food for sale for best taste and quality. The product should still be safe to eat after the date has passed, provided it has been handled properly and there are no signs of spoilage. Dispose of food if you notice an off odor, flavor, or texture or if canned foods have rust, leakage, or bulging of the cans.

When you see the following types of dates on food packages, this is what they mean. “Best if Used By/Before” — These are freshness dates that tell you when the food is at its best flavor and quality. “Sell By” — These dates tell the store how long to display the products to help them manage their inventory. “Use By” — These are the last dates recommended for using products.

You should purchase foods by these dates, but they are still safe to use a few days longer when dates are expired if there are no signs of spoilage.

Store fresh foods in the refrigerator at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below. Buy foods before the “Sell By” and “Use By” dates for best quality. Fresh, fluid milk is safe to use a few days beyond the “Sell By” date as long as it does not have a foul odor.

Commercially canned foods must have a code or the date of canning. They may also have a “Best if Used By” date for best quality. High-acid canned foods such as tomatoes and fruits will keep their quality for 12 to 18 months. Canned vegetables and meats will retain their quality for 2 to 3 years, but always check cans for damage before using.

Here are some tips on storing canned foods:

•Store canned foods in a cool, dark place — not above the stove, under the sink, or in hot or cold places. Temperatures below 85 degrees Fahrenheit are best.

• Check your shelves often and discard cans that are bulging, rusted, leaking, or deeply dented.

• Store uneaten portions of canned foods in tightly — fitting storage containers in the refrigerator.

These are the recommended times for storing fresh foods in the refrigerator after purchase. Ground meat, ground turkey, and stew meat — 1 to 2 days; Fresh meat (steaks, chops, roasts) — 3 to 5 days; Fresh chicken, turkey, duck, and goose — 1 to 2 days; Fish and shellfish — 1 to 2 days; Milk — 4 to 7 days; Eggs in shell — 3 to 5 weeks.

Store deli and processed meats in the refrigerator at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below. If you are pregnant, an older adult, or have a weakened immune system, heat hot dogs and lunch meats until steaming hot before eating. After opening the package, the recommended times to use the following processed foods are as follows. Bacon — 7 days; Hot dogs — 7 days; Factory sealed lunch meat — 3 to 5 days; Cooked sausage — 3 to 4 days; Leftover dressing, gravy, etc. after holidays or large gatherings should be put in the refrigerator no longer than 1 hour after the meal and used in 1 to 2 days only if there is no foul smell or signs of spoilage. Hot weather increases the risk of spoilage if not refrigerated.

Cranberry Chicken Salad Ingredients

• 1 pound cooked, white chicken meat, chopped

• 1/2 cup jalapeno relish

• 2/3 cup olive oil

• 1/2 cup diced celery

• 2 cups raw cranberries

Directions

Add the ingredients together in a mixing bowl. Refrigerate. Makes 8 servings.

Each serving contains 235 calories and 14 grams protein.

— Quarles is a registered dietitian with the South Central Human Resource Agency Head Start.