Open dating is found primarily on perishable foods such as meat, poultry, eggs and dairy products. You should buy the product before the date expires. It is not a purchase or safety date. The date has been determined by the manufacturer of the product. See the accompanying refrigerator charts for storage times of dated products.
Foods can develop an off odor, flavor or appearance due to spoilage bacteria.
If a food has developed such characteristics, you should not use it for quality reasons. For example, if hot dogs are taken to a picnic and left out several hours, they wouldn't be safe if used thereafter, even if the date hasn't expired. Make sure to follow the handling and preparation instructions on the label to ensure top quality and safety. A retailer may legally sell fresh or processed meat and poultry products beyond the expiration date on the package as long as the product is wholesome. It is also legal for a retailer to change a date on wholesome fresh meat that has been cut up and wrapped in the meat department of the supermarket.