What does a "use by" date on food packaging indicate?

The "use by" date on food packaging is a critical indicator of food safety. This date is provided by manufacturers to signify the last day when the food product is guaranteed to be safe for human consumption. Consuming the product after this date could pose health risks, as the safety of the food cannot be assured beyond this timeframe. This is especially important for perishable items where bacteria can proliferate, leading to potential foodborne illnesses.

While other choices may refer to aspects of food quality or guidelines for storage and flavor, they do not convey the primary concern regarding the health implications of consuming food past its designated safety date. Products may still maintain some quality beyond their "use by" date, but safety becomes the paramount issue on that specific date.