The date on the milk carton says it's expired, but is it? - LA Times

The date on the milk carton says it's expired, but is it? - LA Times: "Most people think expiration dates tell you when food is spoiled or unsafe," said Dana Gunders, a senior scientist at the Natural Resources Defense Council. "In fact, what it usually tells you is the manufacturer's recommendation for when the food is at peak quality."

The reality, she told me, is that the "use by," "best by" or "sell by" dates on most foods and beverages vary from state to state and are largely arbitrary. "There's no exact science behind this practice," Gunders said.