The Food Expiration Dates Guidelines Chart is a visual tool that can guide food handlers regarding the maximum shelf-life of food products. Depending on the composition and nature of a food product, it may have a different expiration date. Expiration and use-by dates refer to the last estimated dates that the quality of a product is at its peak and is aimed at users, whereas the sell-by date refers to the last recommended day by which a product can be put out on display for sale.