I've been actively ignoring these for the last 15 years. For things like fresh meat the smell test is more important - I would even not use something that the l

I've been actively ignoring these for the last 15 years. For things like fresh meat the smell test is more important - I would even not use something that the label says is good if it smells bad, which happened. Very rarely, but it happened. They have to put those things in most places by law, e.g. honey, even though something with a high level of sugar can last a very long time. Honey can probably last forever. I've eaten candy 10 years past expiry date, some kind of a sugary spread 4 years after expiration etc. I've even had yoghurt a month past expiry. Did not expect, but it was fine after taking a small sip. It's not completely useless for all things and it is some indication to at least pay more attention, but for the most part it's not really decisive.