True or False: Food should be consumed after its use-by date.

The statement is false because consuming food after its use-by date can pose significant health risks. The use-by date is the last date recommended for the use of the product while at peak quality. This date is especially critical for perishable foods, which can harbor harmful bacteria that thrive after the indicated date, potentially leading to foodborne illnesses.

While some foods may still be safe to consume after their use-by date if they have been stored properly, it is generally advised to adhere to these dates to ensure food safety. The use-by date is determined by manufacturers to ensure that consumers are eating foods at a time in which they are most fresh and safe. Therefore, taking the risk of consuming food past this date is not advisable, reinforcing the choice that the statement is indeed false.