Definition: Date after which product should not be consumed for safety reasons. Assumes product stored under proper conditions (temperature, packaging).
Difference from Best-Before:
- **Use-By**: Safety-related, product unsafe after date
- **Best-Before**: Quality-related, product safe but quality may decline after date
Cold Chain Responsibility: Maintain specified temperature to ensure use-by date validity. Temperature abuse shortens actual shelf life even if use-by date not reached.
Related Terms: Shelf Life, FEFO, Expiry Date, Temperature Control