Special Report: Dollars Down The Drain

This milk is past its sell by date.

Should you drink it? Or pour it down the drain?

What about this deli meat? These eggs? This package of lettuce?

All have dates to determine freshness. But interpreting those dates can be confusing... And cause people like Mary of Melrose to sometimes toss good food before its' time.

Mary Hayward, Melrose Mom
"You don't necessarily know until you look carefully whether its an expiration date or sell by or best by."

We asked dietician Janice Newell Bissex to give Mary a crash course in Food Freshness 101.

First up this gallon of milk with a "sell by" date stamped on the carton.

Janice Newell Bissex, Registered Dietician
"That doesn't mean you have to use it by then, that's just for retailers so they can help control their stock."

In fact, after the "sell by" date you still have seven to ten days to drink it.

Janice Newell Bissex, Registered Dietician
"It's understood that you'll buy the product, you'll take it home, store it or use it."

Next up this salad mix it says "best if used by November 8th."

Janice Newell Bissex, Registered Dietician
"That doesn't mean that you can't consume it after November 8th... It's just for the best quality and freshness you should consume it by then."

The date on this carton of eggs is November 27th. But Janice says they'll be good another 3-5 weeks, if stored correctly.

Janice Newell Bissex, Registered Dietician
"It's best to keep eggs in their original cartons for maximum freshness."

Problem is since freshness dating isn't required on any products except baby foods. Experts say these dates should be considered guidelines rather than hard and fast rules.

Lisa Berger, Berger Food Safety Consultants
"If the product is not stored properly, the temperatures are too warm, or there's too much humidity, it's not going to last too long."

If left unopened, nonperishable foods like cereals and crackers can be good for years.

Janice Newell Bissex, Registered Dietician
"Canned foods will typically last 2, 3, 4 years in your pantries.

But once a product is opened, the dates become meaningless. This shredded cheese says it's good til January. But once you open it, you've only got two to three weeks before it starts going bad.

Janice Newell Bissex, Registered Dietician
"You'll start to see a little green growing in there."

So what's the best way to ensure you're serving the freshest food to your family? Use common sense and don't just rely on the dates.

Lisa Berger, Berger Food Safety Consultants
"Check the smell. Check the appearance. If anything doesn't look right don't even taste it."

As for Mary she says she now has a better appreciation for freshness dating.

Mary Hayward, Melrose Mom
"It's going to take a little longer to do my shopping to really check all these things out."

One way to ensure food stays fresh longer? Keep your refrigerator temperature down between 38 and 39 degrees.