Food can be eaten for up to six months after the best-before date and weeks beyond its use-by date, according to consumer watchdogs.
The research also found that ignoring some of the recommendations on best-before and use-by labels could save millions of tonnes of produce from being unnecessarily sent to landfill sites.
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However, while the rules can be bent for some products, those on fresh and processed meat, poultry and fish should not, said Which? Similarly, anyone classed as vulnerable and with underlying health conditions should also adhere to the dates on the labels, it added.
The consumer champions enlisted microbiologist and food safety consultant Dr Slim Dinsdale to look at the best-before or use-by dates on popular products. The government advice is that food is safe to eat past its best-before date but not after a use-by date.