What does the "sell by" date on products signify?

The "sell by" date on products signifies the last date that a retailer should sell a product to ensure that it is at peak quality when purchased by consumers. This date is primarily aimed at helping retailers manage their inventory and maintain consistent product quality on their shelves. While it does not dictate safety or guarantee that the product is unsafe after that date, it indicates the timeframe during which the product is expected to retain its intended freshness and quality.

The other options present misunderstandings of what the "sell by" date entails. The expiration date refers to the point in time by which a product is no longer considered safe to consume, which is distinct from the selling timeframe indicated by the "sell by" date. The recommended date for best taste could apply to some products, but the "sell by" date is more about sales management than about flavor. Finally, the date by which a product must be consumed implies an outright requirement for use, which is not functionally the case with "sell by" dates; products may still be safe and enjoyable for some time beyond the date when stored properly.