Since product dates aren't a guide for safe use of a product, how long can the consumer store the food and still use it at top quality? Follow these tips from the U.S. Department of Agriculture:

• Purchase the product before the date expires.• If perishable, take the food home immediately after purchase and refrigerate it promptly. Freeze it if you can't use it within times recommended on chart.• Once a perishable product is frozen, it doesn't matter if the date expires because foods kept frozen continuously are safe indefinitely.• Follow handling recommendations on product.