How strict should you be with expiration dates? Expert dietitian weighs in

With grocery costs rising and food waste a concern, many people wonder if food expiration dates should be followed strictly. Registered dietitian Julia Zumpano explains that "sell by," "best by," and "use by" dates serve different purposes, with shelf-stable items like rice, pasta, and canned goods generally safe past their dates. She advises paying closer attention to expiration dates on perishable foods like meat and dairy, using your senses to judge safety, and throwing out anything with signs of spoilage. The goal is to balance food safety with reducing unnecessary waste.