The task of distributing foods in our pantry comes with some responsibility for making sure what we offer is safe to consume. A frequent topic of conversation is how to interpret the freshness dates on food labels and whether an item should be kept or discarded.

I know this is a common question, and the answer can sometimes be confusing. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service, there is no uniform or universally accepted system used for food dating in the United States, and dating of some foods is required by more than 20 states.

A shelf-stable product can be safely used after the “sell-by” date. Let’s try to simplify it.

Products have dates to help stores and individuals know when food is of the best quality. The most commonly used is a “best by” date, which may be considered as a freshness or best quality date. This gives consumers a reference to make an informed decision about if they want to buy or consume it, knowing it may have decreased quality if it’s past that date.

In most cases, nonperishable boxed or canned goods are consumable and good-tasting long past the date noted on the label. It is nice we have the procedures in place to provide a freshness date, but sometimes it causes us to waste food that could be providing a meal.

There is a notable exception. Infant formula is required by federal law to have a “use by” date, and it should not be used after that date. This date is important because it ensures the formula contains no less than the quantity of each nutrient as described on the label.

Formula must maintain an acceptable quality to pass through an ordinary bottle nipple. Since infant formula may be the only nutrition that a baby receives, decreased nutrition in formula could impact infant health.

Also, if the product is not fresh, it may not mix properly, affecting the ability to pass through a bottle nipple, which would also lead to a decrease in consumption, affecting infant health. Other baby foods can maintain a shelf-life past their freshness date.

In the pantry, we use best-by dates on packaging to determine which foods should be distributed first and which can stay in storage a bit longer. Food can be distributed if it is past the date on the product, with the exception of infant formula as stated.

This is sometimes a great benefit to us because we may receive donations of items that warehouses have too much of or that grocery stores may no longer wish to sell.

Perhaps more important than reading the fine print on packaging is to use common sense when observing the condition of packaging or the condition of a product upon opening.

First, look at the packaging. If the package is open or leaking, then the contents inside could be contaminated. If a can is dented near a seam, the top is bulging or it has rust that doesn’t wipe off, it should be thrown away.

If it doesn’t smell right when you open it, trust your nose to tell you it’s not right. Rely on what you know about how foods should look, smell or feel to the touch. Don’t eat meat that may be sticky or slimy, and don’t drink milk that has gone sour.

“When in doubt, throw it out” is a good safety measure, but if the only concern is the date on the label, you can probably use your best judgment and use the product.

Editor’s note: This column was written by Jenn Dietz.