Words / B1

SELB-y-dayt/ˈsel baɪ ˌdeɪt/

A sell-by date (id: sell-by-date) is the last date a UK shop should sell a food item. A use-by date is about safety (do not eat after it); a best-before date is about quality. Check the sell-by date on milk and meat. Hyphenated. Countable.

Meaning

The last date a shop should sell a food item (UK).

Examples

• “Check the sell-by date on the milk before you put it in the trolley.”
• “The reduced sticky labels are on sandwiches close to their sell-by date.”
• “A sell-by date is for the shop; smell the milk anyway when you get home.”

Good to know

a sell-by date (UK, for shops). Contrast: a use-by date (safety) / a best-before date (quality).

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