[Margaret Pilkington]

Of course you are right to a degree Neil, but I remember the days before 'sell by' dates and we survived.
And if you bought something that was 'off' you'd take it back and get a replacement.

I try, where possible to buy fresh foods, and if I can buy stuff without it being sheathed in plastic, then I do...though sometimes it is hard....everything seems to come in a tough plastic overcoat these days.