ServSafe Manager Practice Exam

A product's "best by" date indicates what?

1. The date it should be thrown away

2. The date it should be sold

3. The date it should be consumed for peak quality

4. The date it can be frozen

The correct answer is: The date it should be consumed for peak quality

The "best by" date on a product is intended to indicate the date by which the manufacturer recommends consuming the product to ensure optimal quality and flavor. This date is about the quality of the product rather than its safety. Consuming the product after this date does not mean it is unsafe; it may simply not offer the same taste or texture that it would have before that date. In contrast, some options speak to other aspects of food handling and storage. The suggestion that the date is when it should be thrown away misrepresents the purpose of the "best by" date. Additionally, a date indicating when the product should be sold doesn't encapsulate the consumer experience regarding quality, and setting a date for freezing does not align with the purpose of this label. Thus, option C accurately reflects the intended use of the "best by" date.