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Sell by dates, best before dates, use by dates...... what does it all mean?

The Food Standards Agency website explains:

You will see 'use by' dates on food that goes off quickly, such as smoked fish, meat products and ready-prepared salads.
Don't use any food or drink after the end of the 'use by' date on the label, even if it looks and smells fine. This is because using it after this date could put your health at risk.
'Use by' does not always mean 'eat by'. If a food can be frozen its life can be extended beyond the 'use by' date.
But make sure you follow any instructions on the pack - such as 'freeze on day of purchase', 'cook from frozen' or 'defrost thoroughly before use and use within 24 hours'.

Date marks such as 'display until' or 'sell by' often appear near or next to the 'best before' or 'use by' date. They are used by some shops to help with stock control and are instructions for shop staff, not shoppers.

According to WRAP, half of people do not understand the differences between them and more than one-third believe any product past its best-before date should not be eaten and 53% never eat fruit or vegetables after they have reached that date. More at: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/8326756.st