Which statement best describes the importance of expiration dates on food?

Expiration dates on food are crucial because they indicate the timeframe within which the product is intended to be safely consumed. These dates help ensure that consumers are aware of when food may no longer be safe to eat, reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses. Understanding expiration dates is important for food safety protocols, as consuming food past its expiration date may lead to health risks due to spoilage or degradation of the product.

While there may be different types of dates used on food packaging—such as "sell by," "use by," or "best by"—the primary focus for consumers should be on adhering to these dates to prevent consuming potentially unsafe products. Thus, the correct answer highlights the role of expiration dates in promoting health and safety within food service operations.