The dating game.(food wise)

It's breakfast time, and you're craving a cheese omelette. Your carton of eggs says, "EXPFEB12"; the cheddar says, "Use by Feb. 23"; the milk says, "Sell by March 1." It's March 4. Can you safely scramble, or should you switch to cereal, which is telling you "Best if used by 3-5"? If you're unsure, you're not alone. The boxes, cans, and cartons in out kitchens are trying to tell us something, but we may not be getting the message.

Except for poultry, infant formula, and some baby food, product dating is not required by the federal government, but more than 20 states mandate dating of some foods. When dates are applied, generally by the manufacturer and occasionally by the store, they're stated in a variety of ways: You might see Nov. 25, 11-25, or 1125. The terms used are somewhat flexible, too, since there's no standard. Here, words to the wise about the words on foods:

"Use by," "best if used by," or "quality assurance" date: The last date the product is likely to be at peak flavor and quality. One of these dates is often placed on foods such as cereal, which may decline in flavor and quality. It doesn't mean the food is unsafe after that date.

"Sell by" or "pull": An indication, to the retailer, of the last day on which a product should be sold. It takes into account time for the food to be stored and used at home. You should buy it before the date, but don't have to use it by then. You should be able to use milk, say, for up to about seven days ...