When Did You Buy It? When Did You Open It?

Put a small sticker on each packaged food item, and write on it the date that you purchased the item. Then, when you open it for the first time, add that second date. Why? The “use by” date on the package becomes irrelevant once the product is opened. If you call a manufacturer or consult a website about how much longer a particular product will be tasty and/or safe to eat, these dates will be helpful.